On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a plan to gradually phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the national food supply by the end of 2026. This initiative, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, aims to replace artificial additives with safer, natural alternatives.

Which Dyes Are Being Banned?

The FDA plans to revoke authorization for the following synthetic dyes:

• Red No. 3 (E127)
• Red No. 40 (E129)
• Blue No. 1 (E133)
• Blue No. 2 (E132)
• Yellow No. 5 (E102 – Tartrazine)
• Yellow No. 6 (E110)
• Green No. 3 (E143)
• Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B

These dyes are commonly found in products such as breakfast cereals, candy, sports drinks, yogurts, and processed foods.

Why Are They Being Eliminated?

The decision is based on studies linking certain synthetic dyes to potential health risks, particularly in children. Research has associated these additives with behavioral issues such as ADHD and potential carcinogenic effects.

Red No. 3, in particular, has raised concern due to animal studies showing carcinogenic potential. While evidence in humans remains inconclusive, the FDA is acting out of precaution.

Impact on the Industry and Consumers

The shift toward natural colors may pose challenges for food manufacturers, including higher costs and adjustments to formulations. However, large companies like PepsiCo have already announced plans to remove artificial ingredients from their products by the end of 2025.

For consumers, this may mean foods with slightly different hues—but with greater long-term health benefits and cleaner ingredient labels.

Natural and functional solutions

The elimination of synthetic food dyes in the U.S. marks a major step toward healthier, more transparent food systems. While the transition presents challenges, it also opens a clear opportunity to adopt cleaner, safer ingredients.

At Farbe Naturals, we develop 100% natural colorants with high stability and coloring power, derived from sources such as turmeric, beetroot, spirulina, huito, and more. Our ingredients meet clean-label standards and are formulated to integrate seamlessly into a wide variety of industrial applications.
In this new landscape, Farbe’s colorants are an unbeatable solution: natural, functional, and ready to meet the future of food head-on.