Donald Trump’s administration is already making major changes. But not everyone is thrilled.
And government bureaucrats are sweating bullets after what the Trump admin just announced.
Revolutionizing America’s Food: A Push to Eliminate Harmful Dyes
In a bold move to transform the nation’s food landscape, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced plans on Tuesday to phase out eight petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the American food supply. This initiative marks a significant step toward safer, healthier food options for all.
The FDA will soon revoke approval for two synthetic colorings, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, while working closely with food manufacturers to eliminate six others: Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2. These dyes, commonly found in products like Pop-Tarts, hot dog casings, Takis, and Mountain Dew, have raised health concerns for decades.
“For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” Makary stated during the announcement at HHS. The agency aims to accelerate the removal of Red No. 3, linked to cancer and behavioral issues, ahead of its previous 2027-2028 deadline. This dye, approved in 1907, is prevalent in candies, cakes, and frostings.
To facilitate this shift, the FDA will authorize four natural color alternatives in the coming weeks and fast-track the review of others. Makary suggested practical substitutes, saying, “For companies that are currently using petroleum-based red dye, try watermelon juice. For companies currently combining petroleum-based yellow chemical and red dyes together, try carrot juice.”
The initiative aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, championed by Kennedy, which seeks to eliminate harmful chemical additives from food. “If they want to add petroleum, [if] they want to eat petroleum, they ought to add it themselves at home, but they shouldn’t be feeding it to the rest of us without our knowledge or consent,” Kennedy emphasized.
Health officials are collaborating with food companies to establish a timeline for transitioning to natural dyes. While no formal agreement exists, Kennedy noted an “understanding” with major industry players, who have been proactive in seeking guidance.
Kennedy explained that recently there have been executives from fast food establishments, as well as other food organizations that have been “calling us almost every day” to see what type of changes they can implement.
The National Institutes of Health will also launch research into the effects of food additives on children’s health, prompted by studies like one from the Lancet that suggest a “correlation” between synthetic dyes and conditions such as hyperactivity, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Though the FDA acknowledges that definitive links to hyperactivity remain unconfirmed, it is actively monitoring the issue.
Of the 36 FDA-approved food dyes, nine are petroleum-derived, while others come from natural sources like vegetables. The phase-out plan is just the beginning of Kennedy’s ambitious MAHA agenda.
He envisions a public awareness campaign, an “open source website” to share data on food additives, and stricter labeling requirements—some of which will require congressional support.
“There’s things that we’ll never be able to eliminate, like sugar. And sugar is poison. And Americans need to know that,” Kennedy said, advocating for “zero” sugar in food. He also hinted at tackling pharmaceutical additives next, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of health policies.
The announcement garnered support from prominent figures, including Dr. Mark Hyman, who remarked, “If a foreign nation was doing to our children what we are doing in America, we’d go to war to protect them.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, despite past personal jabs from Kennedy, endorsed the effort, stating, “I want to get the crap out of our food and improve the quality of school meals. They deserve real food, not chemical shortcuts designed to fool the eye but harm the body.”
Makary emphasized a collaborative approach, saying, “You win more bees with honey than fire.” He expressed optimism about achieving these changes without immediate regulatory overhauls but noted that the FDA is prepared to use “every tool in the toolbox” to ensure swift progress. “They want to do it,” he added, referring to the food industry’s willingness to adapt.
This landmark effort reflects a growing demand for transparency and safety in America’s food system, setting the stage for a healthier future.
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