FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Food Dyes in Favor of Natural Alternatives

It’s official — the US food supply may see more natural alternatives to synthetic dyes. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA have announced a plan to phase out petroleum-derived synthetic food dyes from the US food supply by the end of 2026.

The effort targets six commonly used FD&C (Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic) dyes, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5.

While the FDA plans to revoke authorization for two lesser-used dyes — Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2 — the broader elimination is voluntary.

Manufacturers are being asked to reformulate using plant- and mineral-based alternatives such as gardenia blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate.

The FDA’s initiative responds to longstanding concerns about the potential health impacts of artificial dyes, especially in children.

Synthetic dyes date back to the 1850s, evolving from coal tar to petroleum-based chemicals used for their vibrant color, stability and cost-efficiency. These qualities made them industry mainstays — but also raised concerns about safety, especially in products marketed to children.

The FDA approved most synthetic dyes decades ago, under outdated safety standards. Although they remain within current intake limits, updated reassessments have lagged due to limited agency resources.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary called the plan a necessary step toward transparency, noting, “…we are exploring every tool in the toolbox to make sure this gets done very quickly.” The agency will also collaborate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further study long-term impacts on child development.

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A Global Shift in Standards

While the US is only now pursuing reform, regions like the European Union (EU) have required warning labels on synthetic dyes since 2010, prompting many food companies to swap them for botanical alternatives like beet juice, turmeric and safflower extracts.

Canada’s formulations for cereals like Froot Loops already rely on plant-based colors such as carrot and watermelon juice.

In the US, California has led domestic action, passing legislation to restrict synthetic dyes in school meals by 2027 and requiring warning labels on affected foods.

Companies like Kellogg have faced mounting pressure, though major brands including Mars, General Mills, PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz have not formally committed to FDA timelines.

Critics warn that a voluntary framework could delay progress, despite proposals from trade groups.

What This Means for Food Makers — and Families

A 2021 report by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) reviewed 27 human clinical trials and found that 64% reported a positive association between dye exposure and behavioral changes in children. However, expert opinion remains divided.

Previously, the FDA had noted that while some children may be sensitive to dyes, it did maintain that these dyes are safe within current limits. The agency has also acknowledged the need for ongoing review as new scientific evidence is becoming available.

The dyes in FDA’s target list appear in thousands of everyday items — sports drinks, candies, cereals and even fruit peels.

Synthetic dyes appear in colorful candies, drinks, canned foods, relishes and applesauce — many of which companies market toward children. Popular products like Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Froot Loops and Jolly Ranchers contain artificial dyes such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1.

Red No. 3 alone — which regulators formally banned earlier this year, setting phase-out deadlines for 2027 in food and 2028 in medications — appears in more than 3,000 products.

Whether through turmeric, spirulina or beetroot, natural sources may soon play a larger role in the US food supply.

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