US announces plan to phase out artificial colors

US health officials say artificial colors are only for boosting sales, not for the benefit of public health - Illustration photo AI

On April 22, the administration of US President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate artificial food coloring from the country's food supply as part of an effort to overhaul the nation's food system under the slogan "Make America Healthy Again."

The move follows the ban on Red Dye No. 3 under former President Joe Biden, but at a faster pace, and includes a call for the National Institutes of Health to conduct a comprehensive study of the additive’s impact on child development.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will begin revoking the licenses of two of eight common synthetic dyes next month and work with the food industry to voluntarily phase out the remaining six by the end of next year.

The FDA is also considering approving four new natural colorants and accelerating the evaluation of other alternatives.

According to Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the three most common synthetic dyes are Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5 and 6.

He said these substances have no nutritional value and are only used to increase visual appeal to boost sales, not for the benefit of public health.

Previous studies have also shown a link between synthetic dyes and health problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, diabetes, cancer, genetic disorders, gastrointestinal problems, etc. However, many health experts say more research is needed to clearly confirm this link.

The dye ban is seen as a rare step that has received bipartisan support, as some states such as California and West Virginia have taken the lead in restricting or banning these dyes.

The food industry has been cautious, but Mr Kennedy said there was initial consensus, while the US FDA has pledged that the transition will not increase food prices. Natural alternatives such as watermelon, beetroot and carrot juice are being recommended.

In Europe, these dyes are not banned outright – but warning labels are required, prompting many companies to turn to natural alternatives.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/my-cong-bo-ke-hoach-loai-bo-pham-mau-nhan-tao-20250423103223901.htm