Home | News | United States Steps up Action to Ban Synthetic Chemicals in Food

United States Steps up Action to Ban Synthetic Chemicals in Food

Synthetic chemical dyes in mixture. (Photo: Depositphotos)

By Aakansha Malia

July 18, 2025
4:01 pm
Los Angeles, CA

As a part of a major health overhaul, the United States is stepping up action to completely ban synthetic dyes lurking in huge variety of foods and beverages. The bans and restrictions fall under the broader campaign led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. titled “Make America Healthy Again.” As part of this initiative, the Health and Human Services Secretary has pledged to overhaul the U.S. food industry, particularly targeting the use of synthetic dyes in the national food supply. The crackdown could lead to popular breakfast items disappearing from grocery shelves. Kennedy’s food safety agenda is gaining public support. According to American Health Index released last month, 56% of Americans said they believe chemicals or unsafe additives in food pose a large or moderate risk to their health. In a move

Kennedy’s food safety agenda is gaining public support. According to American Health Index released last month, 56% of Americans said they believe chemicals or unsafe additives in food pose a large or moderate risk to their health.

In a move aimed at bolstering food safety standards, the state of Oklahoma is planning to implement a complete ban on red dye and soda. With the support of licensed healthcare providers, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the initiative on June 26. The Republican governor made the declaration shortly after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged dietary reforms, stating, “Eating healthy foods today is going to reduce healthcare spending and dietary-related illnesses later on in life.”

As part of this effort, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has already been instructed to stop recommending fluoride in public water supplies. Additionally, state agencies responsible for providing meals have been ordered to discontinue the use of artificial dyes.

These actions position Oklahoma among a growing number of conservative states seeking federal waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The waiver would prevent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase sodas, candies, and other confectionery items. Similarly, Texas recently passed legislation banning specific food additives from school lunches — a law set to take effect next year.

What Are These Hazardous Food Items?

Petroleum-based synthetic dyes are widely used to enhance the color of food and pharmaceutical products. Breakfast cereals like Froot Loops and Fruity Pebbles commonly contain dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. Flavored yogurts, Pop-Tarts, and toaster pastries also use artificial dyes to achieve vibrant filling colors.

Surprisingly, even some fruits are artificially enhanced — for instance, Red No. 2 is sometimes added to orange peels to make them appear more appealing. Red Dye 3 is prevalent in baked goods such as cupcakes with pink or red icing. Certain processed meats — including sausages and bacon — use synthetic dyes like Orange B to achieve their characteristic appearance.

Cereal Froot (Photo:© Victor Alfonso/ Dreamstime.com)

What Are the Health Risks?

A study by the National Library of Medicine revealed that the average American’s consumption of food dyes has increased fivefold since 1955. Just three dyes — Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 — account for 90% of the artificial coloring used in foods.

Red Dye 3, which appears in nearly 3,000 products, has already been banned from dietary supplements and ingestible medications after being linked to cancer. Derived from petroleum, the dye has been associated with hormone-related cancers, including those of the thyroid and breast.

Dyes Under Scrutiny

Red 40– Linked to hyperactivity and allergic reactions; found in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Yellow 5– Connected to DNA damage and inflammation; found in Mountain Dew
Yellow 6– Suspected of contributing to behavioral issues; seen in Airheads and Jolly Ranchers
Blue 1– Tied to kidney tumors in animal studies; found in M&Ms
Blue 2– Associated with an increased risk of brain tumors in lab rats; found in Skittles and Blueberry Pop-Tarts
Green 3– Linked to bladder tumors in animal studies; found in canned peas

Regulatory Action Ahead

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary emphasized the urgency of reform at an April event, stating: “For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals.” He confirmed that the FDA is moving to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes from the U.S. food supply, citing their connection to rising rates of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD.

The FDA is urging food companies to follow the European model by replacing petrochemical dyes with natural alternatives, signaling a significant shift in how the U.S. regulates food safety.