**Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Calls Them ‘Poisonous Compounds’**
RFK Jr. unveils plan to ban eight artificial food dyes by 2026
Eight artificial dyes will be banned from medications and the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026, Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.
- The FDA will phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food and medications by the end of 2026.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited potential health risks of these dyes, particularly for children.
- Several Michigan food companies currently use some of the dyes slated for removal.
The **U.S. Department of Health and Human Services** and **U.S. Food and Drug Administration** (FDA) have made a groundbreaking announcement: they will phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from all food products and medications in the U.S., including those utilized by various companies here in Michigan.
This groundbreaking statement came during a news conference held on April 22, by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He passionately declared, **“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent.”**
He continued to voice his concerns about the harmful impacts of these compounds: **“These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development.”** With this initiative, a new chapter in American food safety is poised to begin, emphasizing trust and transparency in our dietary choices.
Importantly, Kennedy’s announcement pertains solely to colorings, not the synthetic flavorings found in many widely consumed products.
So, what does this mean for **synthetic dyes** and Michigan’s food manufacturers? Let’s delve deeper.
**What Dyes Will Be Removed from Food and Medications?**
The **dyes targeted for removal by 2026** include:
- FD&C Green No. 3
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
Moreover, the FDA is anticipated to take further action in the coming months to remove authorization for some additional artificial colorings.
**Why Are Dyes Used in Food and Medications?**
According to the FDA, artificial dyes serve various purposes. They enhance the visual appeal of food, help correct natural color variations, and make colorless food items more enticing. You might find them in enticing options like:
- Candies
- Snack Foods
- Margarine
- Soft Drinks
- Jams and Jellies
- Gelatins
- Pudding and Pie Fillings
However, consumers should be aware that **exempt color additives** are not required to be listed by name on labels, often appearing simply as “artificial color” or “color added.”
**Will the Petroleum-Based Dyes Be Replaced with Other Dyes?**
FDA Commissioner **Marty Makary** stated, **“Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children as they already do in Europe and Canada.”** The FDA aims to expedite the evaluation of safe, natural alternatives like calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, and butterfly pea flower extract, among others.
In the weeks ahead, the FDA is expected to authorize four new natural color additives while collaborating with the **National Institutes of Health** on research related to **the effects of food additives on children’s health and development.**
**What’s Bad About Existing Food Dyes?**
Makary pointed out the alarming rise in childhood health issues: **“We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children.”**
Furthermore, Kennedy has long highlighted the link between food dyes and chronic health conditions such as ADHD and obesity, raising questions about food safety.
**Do Michigan Food Companies Use Artificial Dyes?**
As we navigate this significant shift, let’s explore whether some recognizable names in Michigan’s food industry still use artificial dyes.
**Kellogg’s/Kellanova**
On their website, Kellogg’s and Kellanova acknowledge their use of Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 in various products.
**Post Consumer Brands**
According to their site, Post Consumers Brands also employs synthetic colors, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3, and Blue 1.
**Faygo**
Faygo soda pop flavors contain an array of artificial colorings, including **Blue 1, Red 40**, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
**BetterMade**
BetterMade, known for its snacks, does not include any petroleum-based dyes in its products.
**Hudsonville Ice Cream**
Hudsonville Ice Cream contains Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 5.
**Vernor’s**
Vernor’s uses caramel color in its recipes but does not incorporate petroleum-based dyes.
**Vlasic Pickles**
Vlasic Pickles proudly abstains from synthetic food dyes in its offerings.
**Gerber**
The Michigan-based baby food giant Gerber lists no artificial colorings in its baby food products.
**Jiffy Mixes**
The beloved Chelsea-based brand Jiffy confirms that some of its products use Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 5, and Red 40 Lake.
**Koegel**
The Flint-based company Koegel claims to have no synthetic colorings in its offerings.
**Mackinac Fudge Makers and Dyes**
Curious about the **Mackinac fudge** scene? Murdick’s states that it offers “all-natural” fudge without artificial colorings. Joanne’s Fudge doesn’t list synthetic ingredients either. However, Kilwin’s does include Yellow 5 in one of its fudge varieties, whereas Ryba’s Fudge Shop sticks to a handful of ingredients, boasting quality with each sweet bite.
The countdown to a **dye-free future** in American food is on! As consumers, being informed allows us to make wiser decisions, pushing the industry towards safer, healthier options that prioritize our children’s health over cosmetics. Stay tuned as we watch how Michigan food companies adapt in this evolving landscape!
