A sweeping ban on unnecessary synthetic color additives in food and beverages is under consideration, aiming to eliminate artificial dyes commonly found in cereals, soft drinks, and confectionery. The move would primarily affect products sold in the U.S., as much of Europe already enforces strict regulations on synthetic dyes.
A 2022 report by the National Institutes of Health analyzed 25 studies and found that more than half suggested a potential link between food dye exposure and behavioral issues in children.
The proposed ban would also impact existing products containing ingredients classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under current regulations, food manufacturers can self-certify new ingredients as GRAS without needing FDA approval. However, RFK Jr. recently directed the FDA to close this regulatory gap.
Speaking at a high-level industry meeting, RFK Jr. criticized the longstanding practice that allows companies to introduce new ingredients into the U.S. food supply without FDA review or public disclosure.
“For far too long, ingredient manufacturers and sponsors have exploited a loophole that has allowed new ingredients and chemicals… to be introduced into the U.S. food supply without notification to the FDA or the public,” he said. “Eliminating this loophole will provide transparency to consumers.”
The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act currently states that if a substance is widely recognized as safe by qualified experts, it does not require FDA approval. Since 2016, manufacturers have been encouraged to log new GRAS ingredients in an FDA database, but this remains voluntary rather than a legal requirement.
Instead, the FDA “strongly encourages” companies to consult the agency before adding a new substance to food.
Under RFK Jr.’s new proposal, manufacturers would be required to publicly notify the FDA of any new ingredients they intend to use in food or beverages, along with safety data supporting their inclusion.
Sara Brenner, the FDA’s acting commissioner, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening food safety measures:
“The FDA is committed to further safeguarding the food supply by ensuring the appropriate review of ingredients and substances that come into contact with food. We will continue to follow our authorities and leverage our resources to protect the health of consumers.”
The proposed changes would mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. food safety regulation, aligning more closely with global food standards.
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