RFK Jr. Moves to Ban Synthetic Food Dyes by 2026

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced details about his plan to eliminate artificial food dyes by 2026 with the help of the Food and Drug Administration.

For Context: The FDA currently allows 36 color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and West Virginia have enacted laws to limit added colors and dyes in school meals. Near the end of the Biden administration, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3, giving companies until 2027 to phase it out of products. While health advocates have said artificial dyes can cause behavioral issues, while the FDA says “most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”

The Details: Kennedy's plan included collaborating with the National Institute of Health to research how food dyes impact child development. Kennedy said in the future, foods with artificial colors will be clearly labeled, and natural dye alternatives will receive a fast track to approval. 

How The Media Covered It: Outlets on the right were less likely to quote Kennedy's critics. The Daily Mail (Right bias) cited studies that support Kennedy's claim that artificial dyes are harmful, and the National Review (Lean Right) framed him as “Following in the footsteps of Canada and European nations.” In contrast, The Washington Post (Lean Left) quoted the International Association of Color Manufacturers and doctors who say Kennedy could be addressing bigger issues—like nicotine and alcohol use. The New York Times (Lean Left) noted, “No one from the food industry attended the event, and none have publicly agreed to Mr. Kennedy’s demands,” adding that critics say Kennedy's grant and job cuts will hinder his efforts. 

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