RFK Jr. Says He's Banning Food Dyes Through an 'Understanding' with Manufacturers. But There Is No Proof An expert explains how the ban is "performative" — and there was "no regulatory action" taken

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a plan on Tuesday to start phasing out eight synthetic food dyes. Are they unsafe? Experts weigh in.

Kennedy's plan to eliminate the dyes needs the food companies to go along — he doesn't appear to have an enforcement mechanism in place.

Home Health In The Spotlight RFK Jr.'s phase-out of artificial food dyes could face industry pushback Will companies comply without an outright ban?

The Trump administration aims to eliminate petroleum-based dyes in food by the end of 2026, while food companies have vouched for dyes’ safety.

The optics felt more like a campaign rally than a credible public health initiative. But, about a week later, RFK Jr. formally announced a proposal to phase out eight artificial food dyes in the U.S.

Companies make packaged food without synthetic dyes in other countries. But despite pressure from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the change isn’t likely to happen quickly in the United States.