The Blubber

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced plans to prohibit U.S. food and beverage manufacturers from using synthetic dyes in their products.

The proposed ban would eliminate all unnecessary artificial colorings in food and drinks, impacting products such as cereals, soft drinks, and confectionery—especially those sold primarily in the U.S. Many European countries already enforce strict restrictions on synthetic dyes.

A 2022 report by the National Institutes of Health reviewed 25 studies and found that more than half suggested a potential link between food dye exposure and behavioral issues in children.

The ban would also affect products that currently contain ingredients classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Under existing regulations, food and beverage manufacturers can self-certify new ingredients as GRAS without requiring FDA approval. Last week, RFK Jr. directed the FDA to close what he called a regulatory “loophole” allowing companies to introduce new substances into the food supply without proper oversight.

Speaking at a meeting with top industry leaders, Kennedy stated: “For far too long, ingredient manufacturers and sponsors have exploited a loophole that has allowed new ingredients and chemicals to enter the U.S. food supply without notification to the FDA or the public. Eliminating this loophole will provide transparency to consumers.”

Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, substances that are "generally recognized, among qualified experts, as having been adequately shown to be safe under the conditions of their intended use" do not require FDA approval. Since 2016, companies have been encouraged—but not required—to voluntarily submit new GRAS ingredients to an FDA database for review.

The FDA currently advises: “We strongly encourage any company considering the addition of a substance to any food on the basis of a conclusion of GRAS status to contact us and follow the available procedures for FDA oversight of such decisions.”