Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is finally moving to get rid of Red Dye 40. This petroleum-based artificial colorant is widely used in snacks from the dangerously addictive Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to the ever-popular Skittles. As a result, new concerns are growing about the health risks associated with this synthetic dye. Research has linked it to cancer in laboratory animals and elevated hyperactivity in children.
For decades, food manufacturers have used Red Dye 40 to enhance the vibrant colors of their offerings. It’s this bold hue that catches the consumer’s eye, enticing them to stop and look. This synthetic dye can be found in many foods such as cereal, chips, and even sports drinks. See, despite its high public acceptance, recent studies raised red flags about its safety, leading to regulatory action to curb its usage.
In January 2023, the FDA revoked its authorization for another red dye, Red No. 3, marking a significant shift in the agency’s approach to food safety. Until the Trump administration, for reasons known only to them, made the removal of artificial dyes from our food supply an administration priority. The FDA’s new position signals an important recognition of the very real threat that these chemical additives have to the health and safety of the public.
A study published in The Lancet concluded that artificial colors, including Red Dye 40, contribute to increased hyperactivity among children. The science behind these risks has prompted health advocates to petition for tighter controls on food additives like these.
Our health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made it a personal mission to put healthy food first. He’s now convinced this is foundational to the fight against the chronic disease epidemic that is sweeping the country. The F in FDA stands for food,” he said, underscoring the agency’s core mission to protect food safety. Kennedy further remarked on the broader implications of removing synthetic chemicals from the food system: “Now, there’s no one ingredient that accounts for the child chronic disease epidemic. And let’s be honest, taking petroleum-based food dyes out of the food supply is not a silver bullet that will instantly make America’s children healthy, but it is one important step.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary just reiterated that point, decrying the ubiquitous nature of synthetic chemicals in our kids’ diets. He noted, “For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals.” This recognition is a substantial shift in regulatory priorities toward protecting public health, especially among at-risk populations such as children.
This policy change will significantly affect large food manufacturers like PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars, and WK Kellogg. These companies have relied on artificial colors such as Red Dye 40 to maintain the visual allure of their products to consumers. However, in a bizarre reversal, General Mills has announced that they’ll be returning artificial colors to their Trix cereal. This surprising decision brings into focus some important themes about the pressure companies are under to compromise consumer demand and safety.
Removal of Red Dye 40 would leave nutritious companies like McCormick holding red-hot favors. They manufacture ingredient base and color additive products for many of our largest food companies’ brands. CEO Brendan Foley has indicated that many companies are seeking assistance in reducing both artificial colors and sodium from their products. This proactive industry focus on reformulation matches the increasing consumer demand for healthier choices and transparency in labeling.
Public awareness of the dangers posed by artificial dyes is on the rise. As a result, consumers are going to see a dramatic change in the products that are still on store shelves. We know that the FDA’s initiative comes from a place of wanting to protect and improve public health. It calls on food manufacturers to be more forthcoming with their innovation and develop synthetic additive-free alternatives.