Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is planning to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. The initiative aims to remove these dyes, which are commonly found in products like breakfast cereals, candy, and snacks. The dyes have been linked to neurological issues in some children, affecting academic performance, mental health, and physical health, according to Kennedy.
The dyes potentially facing removal include Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, among others. These are used in popular products such as Mountain Dew, Doritos, and various cosmetics. Although recent research suggests a link between synthetic food colors and neurobehavioral problems, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that most children do not experience adverse effects from consuming foods with color additives.
Earlier this year, the FDA banned Red 3, a dye known to cause cancer in lab rats. The move to phase out other dyes is seen as a step towards making the food supply healthier.