Report

The U.S. government is moving toward banning artificial colour additives or food dyes to enhance consumer safety. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. informed industry executives on Monday that the ban would take effect before his term ends. ABC News reported this development, citing an internal memo.

Meeting with Industry Leaders on Food Dye Removal

During a Washington meeting, Kennedy met with CEOs from Kellogg’s, Smucker’s, and General Mills to emphasize the administration’s commitment to eliminating artificial dyes in U.S. food. Melissa Hockstad, President and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, highlighted this priority in a memo to industry leaders. “We will collaborate with your teams to ensure a smooth transition, but the time for decisions is approaching quickly,” Hockstad wrote.

Industry and Government Collaboration on Food Safety

The Consumer Brands Association confirmed the memo’s authenticity and shared a thank-you letter from Hockstad to Kennedy. She reiterated the industry’s commitment to offering safe, affordable, and nutritious food options to consumers. “We will work with the administration to improve transparency, ensure ingredient safety assessments follow scientific and risk-based methods, and expand healthier food choices,” she stated.

Consumer Advocates Applaud the Ban

Vani Hari, founder of Food Babe and Truvani, welcomed the decision. Last year, she delivered 400,000 petition signatures to Kellogg’s headquarters, demanding the removal of artificial dyes. “I have been advocating against these dyes for over a decade, and I’m thrilled that the U.S. government is finally taking action,” Hari told ABC News. “Food companies have already removed dyes from their products in many countries. It’s time they do the same in America. Consumers deserve the same safety standards worldwide.”

FDA Moves to Restrict Harmful Food Additives

As part of broader efforts to enhance food safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked approval for Red No. 3 in January. Studies linked this artificial dye to cancer in lab animals, but it remained in use because scientists believed it posed minimal risks to humans. The FDA finally took action following pressure from consumer advocates. Hockstad assured that the Consumer Brands Association would continue working with Health and Human Services to ensure a smooth transition away from artificial food dyes. The U.S. government’s initiative aims to prioritize public health and hold food manufacturers accountable for ingredient safety, aligning American food standards with those in other countries.

Source: Livemint