In a landmark move to promote healthier food choices, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced a sweeping plan to eliminate all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the American food supply.  The FDA has called on food manufacturers to replace artificial dyes with natural alternatives—an approach already adopted in parts of Europe and Canada.

“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,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary in an official statement.  To enforce the transition, the FDA will introduce a national standard and timeline for phasing out synthetic colorants. The plan begins with the revocation of approval for two dyes—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the next few months. Six additional dyes, including FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, are slated for removal by the end of 2026. The widely used FD&C Red No. 3, previously set for a 2027–2028 phase-out, will now be eliminated even sooner. 

In parallel, the FDA will expedite the approval of safer, natural color alternatives. Four plant-based additives—including Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, and butterfly pea flower extract—will be fast-tracked for authorization. The agency also plans to speed up the evaluation of other candidates such as calcium phosphate for use in food coloring.  To support industry during this transition, the FDA has pledged to offer guidance and regulatory flexibility, ensuring food companies have a clear pathway to compliance without disrupting product availability. 

Importantly, the FDA’s initiative includes a partnership with the National Institutes of Health to intensify research on how food additives affect children's health and development. The move reflects growing public concern over the long-term safety of synthetic dyes, especially for young consumers. 

The announcement has been welcomed by health advocates and consumer groups, who have long urged tighter regulations on artificial additives in food products marketed to children.  As the United States prepares to join other nations in prioritizing natural over synthetic food dyes, the FDA's bold step marks a major shift in the regulation of food safety and consumer health.