Artificial colors have emerged as a primary focus of the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which aims to address the issue of ultraprocessed foods and their key ingredients. Kennedy stated, “For too long, our food system has depended on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that provide no nutritional benefits and pose unnecessary health risks. We are eliminating these dyes and endorsing safe, natural alternatives to safeguard families and promote healthier choices.” Critics argue that artificial food dyes may contribute to behavioral issues in children and could increase cancer risks. Although the FDA is not imposing a ban on artificial dyes, several states have enacted or are contemplating a complete ban on petroleum-based colors as the MAHA campaign gains traction.
Kennedy has proposed that switching from artificial dyes to natural sources is a straightforward change. In an April press conference, he recommended that companies “try watermelon juice” in place of petroleum-based red dye. However, industry experts note that the reality is far more complex. Reformulating products is a challenging and time-consuming endeavor that requires companies to adjust their supply chains and implement quality control measures, as stated by the International Association of Color Manufacturers. A pressing concern is the potential shortage of agricultural products necessary to transition the entire food industry to natural colors before the end of 2026.
The association remarked last month, “The aggressive voluntary timeline suggested by the FDA to phase out [synthetic] colors, which are safe and highly regulated food ingredients, would be highly disruptive, overlooking the need to transition supply chains, bolster agricultural resources, and revamp manufacturing infrastructure.” Nevertheless, several major food manufacturers, including PepsiCo and Tyson, have pledged to accelerate the shift toward natural dyes and colors in response to FDA pressure. Furthermore, the ingredient and flavorings company McCormick has observed “a rise in reformulation activity” among restaurants and food manufacturers as initiatives to ban synthetic dyes in food gain momentum.
The FDA’s approval allows for the use of galdieria extract blue in nonalcoholic beverages, cereals, and various desserts and candies. Additionally, butterfly pea flower extract, already approved for yogurt and several beverages, can now be used in ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, and snacks such as hard pretzels and potato chips. As this transition unfolds, individuals looking for healthier options may also explore the benefits of the smallest calcium citrate pills, which provide essential nutrients without the drawbacks associated with artificial additives. The shift toward natural ingredients may lead consumers to prioritize products that align with their health goals, including those that feature the smallest calcium citrate pills as part of their dietary regimen.