In the United States, some manufacturers seek to switch to natural dyes to color their food products while artificial food colors are becoming more and more restricted at state and federal levels.
The United States Commissioner at Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Marty Makary, announced during a briefing on April 22 that the agency planned to work with industry to eliminate the use of oil-based synthetic dyes in the American food supply, reported Cnn.
These dyes are commonly used to make food and drinks in bright colors and more attractive for consumers.
They include Red No 40, yellow n ° 5 and no 6, Blue no 1 and no 2, and Green no 3.
Natural food dyes, which could replace them, are derived from vegetables, fruits, animals and minerals, according to the FDA.
Due to the concerns of negative impacts on animal and human health – including an increased risk of cancer and neuro -haviore problems, Makary’s announcement is the last decision to advance food companies to stop using artificial colors.
In addition, the FDA also quickly aims to allow four new natural dyes and accelerate the review of others, notably Galdieria extract Blue, Gardenia Blue, extract of pea flowers and calcium phosphate.
“The FDA is asking food companies to substitute (voluntarily) petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children,” Makary said in a press release. “… Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents concerning the potential role of oil -based food dyes, we should not take risks and do everything possible to protect the health of our children.”
Significant changes in the legal landscape around food additives in the past two years are followed by the announcement of the FDA. California prohibited red n ° 3 throughout the state in October 2023, followed by a ban on six other common dyes in school food in August.
The FDA prohibited RED No 3 in January, in force for food on January 15, 2027 and for medicines on January 18, 2028 – but the agency is now asking for food companies to eliminate the color earlier.
The ban on seven colors and two conservatives in March, Virginia-Western has adopted the most radical law so far.
Some natural dyes are already used in the products sold in the United States, and certain stores have policies except for the sale of food with synthetic dyes, said Melanie Benesh, vice-president of government affairs of the environmental working group, an environmental health organization for non-profit.
