FDA’s Push to Remove Synthetic Dyes from Food and What It Means for Your Brand

In a sweeping move toward cleaner food labeling and public health, the FDA and HHS have announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply.

This initiative, part of the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, has major implications for food manufacturers and brand owners.

In this blog, we’ll break down the regulatory changes, the timeline, and what brand owners need to do to stay ahead of the curve.

The FDA’s New Dye Policy: What’s Changing?

On April 22, 2025, the FDA announced a national plan to eliminate synthetic dyes from food products. The agency is:

• Revoking authorization for dyes like Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B.

• Phasing out six major synthetic dyes by the end of 2026: FD&C Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.

• Fast-tracking approval of natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower extract, gardenia blue, and calcium phosphate[1].

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the urgency, citing links between synthetic dyes and childhood health issues such as ADHD, obesity, and depression [1].

RFK Jr.’s Role and Industry Response

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been vocal about the dangers of synthetic dyes, calling them “poisonous compounds” with no nutritional value.

His leadership has accelerated the FDA’s timeline and pushed for voluntary industry compliance ahead of formal bans [1].

Major brands like Kellogg and Mars have already announced plans to remove artificial dyes from products like cereals, M&Ms, and Skittles by 2026–2027 [1].

What Brand Owners Must Do Now

If your food product contains synthetic dyes, here’s how to prepare:

1. Review Your Ingredient List

• Identify any use of FD&C dyes.

• Begin sourcing natural alternatives and test for stability, color retention, and flavor impact.

2. Update Labeling and Marketing Claims

• Ensure your product claims (e.g., “natural,” “clean label”) align with FDA definitions.

• Prepare for reformulation disclosures and potential allergen updates.

3. Work Closely with Contract Manufacturers

• Confirm that your co-manufacturer is aware of the FDA’s timeline.

• Update your manufacturing agreements to include dye transition plans and testing protocols.

  
  

4. Monitor Regulatory Guidance

• Stay informed on new approvals for natural color additives.

• Watch for updates from NIH research on additive safety and child health.

Conclusion

The FDA’s dye phase-out is more than a regulatory shift—it’s a cultural and consumer-driven movement toward transparency and health.

Brand owners who act early will not only avoid FDA compliance issues but also position themselves as leaders in clean-label innovation.

In our next blog, we’ll explore how food brand owners can build strong manufacturing agreements to protect their products, IP, and reputation.

References

[1] Achieving compliance in a contract manufacturing partnership