FDA: 8 artificial food dyes will be phased out by end of 2026
Health officials say the initiative will help fast-track the review of safer alternatives. They say the first two dyes out of eight are slated to be eliminated by the end of July.
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The Food and Drug Administration's new commissioner says the agency plans to phase out certain artificial food dyes by the end of 2026.
This includes Citrus Red No. 2, which is a petroleum-based food dye that is used to make some oranges that are ripe, but still green have a brighter orange color. Another one is Red Dye 40, which is used to make some foods such as sprinkles bright red or pink.
Six additional food dyes deemed unsafe will also be eliminated.
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"We are erring on the safe side and moving to remove these from the U.S. food supply," says FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
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Health officials say the initiative will help fast-track the review of safer alternatives. They say the first two dyes out of eight are slated to be eliminated by the end of July.
Although more research needs to be done, studies in animals have shown there is a potential link between some dyes and an increased risk of some cancers or tumors. Other research has found a link between learning difficulties and attention problems in some children with dye sensitivities.
Officials say the goal is to work with food manufacturers on getting rid of the dyes, which may not be easy.
In a statement, the Consumer Brands Association, an industry group for some manufacturers said, "The ingredients used in America's food supply have been rigorously studied following an objective science- and risk-based evaluation and been demonstrated to be safe."
