RFK Jr. plans to ban artificial food dyes

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a move yesterday that could shake up the food industry: eliminating all artificial food coloring in the US by 2026.

The initiative—part of RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement—is supported by newly appointed FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. He advised companies still using petroleum-based chemicals and dyes to switch to natural colors like watermelon, carrot and beet juice.

The FDA also plans to greenlight four new natural dyes soon. Currently, of the 36 FDA-approved dyes, nine are artificial.

The agency is fast-tracking its ban on Red No. 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer in male lab rats—which is commonly used in bubblegum, candy, and even some cough syrups. Two other coloring agents, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, are also expected to lose approval in the coming months.

RFK Jr., a longtime critic of ultra-processed foods, described the ban as vital to protect children’s health.

Experts predict food industry resistance, but note it’s feasible—many companies already use natural dyes in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, where artificial coloring is banned.

In the US, California and 10 other states have already banned the Red No. 3.