Report

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has called on companies to phase out all petroleum-based food dyes by the end of next year. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announced the plan Tuesday, aiming to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives in the U.S. food supply. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency will fast-track approvals for new natural colour additives to support the shift. Though not a full ban, the move marks a major shift in food safety policy.

On a popular U.S. morning news show, CBS Mornings, Dr. Jon LaPook, CBS News’ chief medical correspondent, called the decision “significant.” He pointed out that artificial dyes have no nutritional value and could pose safety risks. “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he added. The food dye industry, however, disagreed. The International Association of Colour Manufacturers said artificial dyes are important for making food look good and keeping customers confident in what they buy.

Common Artificial Dyes Under Scrutiny

One of the most common artificial dyes is FD&C Red No. 40 (also known as Allura Red AC or E129 in Europe). You can find this dye in many popular products like Gatorade Fruit Punch, Fanta, Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, and even in ice creams like Blue Bell’s Birthday Cake and Breyers’ M&M’s Minis Caramel Fudge. It’s also in strawberry milk, pink lemonade, candies, medicines, and cosmetics.

Other widely used artificial dyes include:

• Yellow No. 5 – Found in M&Ms, Skittles, Lucky Charms, Mountain Dew, Doritos, Vlasic sweet relish, and Kraft creamy French dressing.

• Yellow No. 6 – Found in many of the same products, plus Trix, Otter Pops, and Fanta Soda.

• Blue No. 1 – Found in M&Ms, Airheads, Jolly Ranchers, Pillsbury Funfetti frosting, Jell-O, YoPlait yogurt, Red Bull Blue, and even some medicines like Prozac.

• Blue No. 2 (Indigotine) – Found in Pillsbury frosting, some drinks, soaps, shampoos, and even dog foods.

• Green No. 3 – Found in some foods, but also in mouthwashes like Colgate and Listerine, and in breath mints.

With increasing concerns about their safety and pressure from governments, companies may soon start changing their products to meet new health standards and give customers cleaner labels.

Source: CBS News