Kennedy Moves to Eliminate Petroleum-Based Food Dyes from American Diet

[Social Media]

 

Kennedy Moves to Eliminate Petroleum-Based Food Dyes from American Diet

 

In a bold move to reshape the American food landscape, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading a plan to eliminate eight commonly used petroleum-based food dyes from grocery store shelves by the end of 2026. The directive, set to be detailed during an event in Washington on Tuesday, marks Kennedy’s first major push to overhaul the ingredients used in the nation’s food supply.

 

The targeted dyes, found in hundreds of thousands of food items such as cereals and sports drinks, have long been the subject of scrutiny from health advocates. Critics point to research linking synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children, though the scientific consensus remains debated. Despite this, Kennedy is moving forward with a campaign that urges food manufacturers to voluntarily transition away from artificial coloring.

 

While the Department of Health and Human Services has not yet outlined a formal regulatory path to enforce the changes, the message from Kennedy is clear: the era of petroleum-based food dyes is ending. His department expects the industry to comply by 2026, signaling a shift that could transform the visual appeal and ingredient profiles of many household food staples.

 

 

The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the majority of the country’s food supply, previously banned Red Dye No. 3 following studies that linked it to cancer in lab animals. That decision, made just before Donald Trump’s presidency began, aligned with a 2023 California law banning the same dye. The eight dyes now under scrutiny are still widely used in the United States, but food manufacturers already take a different approach in other parts of the world. In European and Canadian markets, where products containing such dyes require warning labels, companies have long since adopted natural alternatives.

 

Kennedy has pointed to these international examples as evidence that a transition is both feasible and overdue. “The Canadian version of Froot Loops gets its bright colors from blueberries and carrots instead of Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1,” he noted, using the cereal as an example of how the U.S. market lags behind in adopting safer and more natural ingredients.

 

His commitment to the issue was made evident in a March meeting in Washington, where he met with senior executives from food industry giants including PepsiCo, W.K. Kellogg, and General Mills. At that meeting, Kennedy made it clear that eliminating synthetic food dyes was not only a top priority but also the beginning of broader changes to come.

 

However, not everyone in the food industry is aligned with Kennedy’s vision. Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy at the Consumer Brands Association, warned that the move could have unintended consequences. “Policies based on ideology and not science could undermine trust in food safety and cause consumers, particularly those in vulnerable populations, to lose access to safe, nutrient-dense foods,” she said.

 

Despite such concerns, Kennedy is expected to announce the approval of additional natural color alternatives during Tuesday’s event, offering companies more tools to comply with the upcoming changes. Whether the industry embraces the shift willingly or resists it remains to be seen, but Kennedy's initiative signals a clear direction: the U.S. food system is being asked to trade artificial vibrancy for natural integrity.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from New York Times  2025-04-22

 

 

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

 

Kennedy Moves to Eliminate Petroleum-Based Food Dyes from American Diet

 

In a bold move to reshape the American food landscape, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading a plan to eliminate eight commonly used petroleum-based food dyes from grocery store shelves by the end of 2026. The directive, set to be detailed during an event in Washington on Tuesday, marks Kennedy’s first major push to overhaul the ingredients used in the nation’s food supply.

 

The targeted dyes, found in hundreds of thousands of food items such as cereals and sports drinks, have long been the subject of scrutiny from health advocates. Critics point to research linking synthetic food dyes to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children, though the scientific consensus remains debated. Despite this, Kennedy is moving forward with a campaign that urges food manufacturers to voluntarily transition away from artificial coloring.

 

While the Department of Health and Human Services has not yet outlined a formal regulatory path to enforce the changes, the message from Kennedy is clear: the era of petroleum-based food dyes is ending. His department expects the industry to comply by 2026, signaling a shift that could transform the visual appeal and ingredient profiles of many household food staples.

 

 

The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the majority of the country’s food supply, previously banned Red Dye No. 3 following studies that linked it to cancer in lab animals. That decision, made just before Donald Trump’s presidency began, aligned with a 2023 California law banning the same dye. The eight dyes now under scrutiny are still widely used in the United States, but food manufacturers already take a different approach in other parts of the world. In European and Canadian markets, where products containing such dyes require warning labels, companies have long since adopted natural alternatives.

 

Kennedy has pointed to these international examples as evidence that a transition is both feasible and overdue. “The Canadian version of Froot Loops gets its bright colors from blueberries and carrots instead of Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1,” he noted, using the cereal as an example of how the U.S. market lags behind in adopting safer and more natural ingredients.

 

His commitment to the issue was made evident in a March meeting in Washington, where he met with senior executives from food industry giants including PepsiCo, W.K. Kellogg, and General Mills. At that meeting, Kennedy made it clear that eliminating synthetic food dyes was not only a top priority but also the beginning of broader changes to come.

 

However, not everyone in the food industry is aligned with Kennedy’s vision. Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy at the Consumer Brands Association, warned that the move could have unintended consequences. “Policies based on ideology and not science could undermine trust in food safety and cause consumers, particularly those in vulnerable populations, to lose access to safe, nutrient-dense foods,” she said.

 

Despite such concerns, Kennedy is expected to announce the approval of additional natural color alternatives during Tuesday’s event, offering companies more tools to comply with the upcoming changes. Whether the industry embraces the shift willingly or resists it remains to be seen, but Kennedy's initiative signals a clear direction: the U.S. food system is being asked to trade artificial vibrancy for natural integrity.

 

Adpated by ASEAN Now from New York Times  2025-04-22

 

 

Since Wakefield nobody would take him serious.

I wonder how he passed his medical exam?

[Watawattana]

Seems like a good news story, I've seen for myself candy that's brightly coloured causing more hyperactivity in children than normal candy (chocolate) without colouring.  After all the bashing that Kennedy has received it looks like he's turned the corner.

[spidermike007]

This is a rather extraordinary day in American history when you have a Trump appointee, a guy like RFK actually trying to do something that benefits the population. 

[FlorC]

We need a Kennedy for Thailand too.

All the numbers of the chemicals here on packages of food is too much.

[Tug]

Ok good now’s how’s about backing science that saves lives in the millions and keeping the data and organizations that keep track of and protect us from the various hedious health threats out there??

[Lacessit]

I wonder if he will get around to closing McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut?

 

If America wants to get serious about its obesity epidemic......

[Watawattana]

14 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I wonder if he will get around to closing McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut?

 

If America wants to get serious about its obesity epidemic......

McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut don't cause obesity.  People cause obesity.

[Wrwest]

1 hour ago, Watawattana said:

Seems like a good news story, I've seen for myself candy that's brightly coloured causing more hyperactivity in children than normal candy (chocolate) without colouring.  After all the bashing that Kennedy has received it looks like he's turned the corner.

Thanks, reminded me that chocolate is white bean. Is that remembered correctly?

[Wrwest]

26 minutes ago, Tug said:

Ok good now’s how’s about backing science that saves lives in the millions and keeping the data and organizations that keep track of and protect us from the various hedious health threats out there??

Agree, Tug. Although they have ruined their ability to declare I oppose all steps taken by the trump administration. I do think I can support the removal of petroleum based food dyes.

[Lacessit]

32 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut don't cause obesity.  People cause obesity.

The obesity level of America is more than 40%.

 

The obesity level in Japan is less than 4%.

 

Per 100,000 population, Japan has about 5 fast food outlets.

 

Per 100,000 population, the USA has about 70.

[wavodavo]

1 hour ago, Wrwest said:

Agree, Tug. Although they have ruined their ability to declare I oppose all steps taken by the trump administration. I do think I can support the removal of petroleum based food dyes.

What ??? no more petrol or crude oil extract in  our foood. Kenneday's gotta be joklng !!!! There goes all the flavour.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Would eliminating synthetic saffron from the POTUS diet reduce hyperactivity?

[save the frogs]

15 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This is a rather extraordinary day in American history when you have a Trump appointee, a guy like RFK actually trying to do something that benefits the population. 

 

Yes, but does it cause cognitive dissonance for people who think Trump is Hitler when some people working for him are clearly doing something that benefits the population?

 

Your Trump is Hitler / Trump is a deranged madman theory doesn't add up, does it? 

 

[josephbloggs]

4 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

Yes, but does it cause cognitive dissonance for people who think Trump is Hitler when some people working for him are clearly doing something that benefits the population?

 

Your Trump is Hitler / Trump is a deranged madman theory doesn't add up, does it? 

 

Funny that 99% of people on here criticised Thailand for having a health minister with no health qualifications (Anutin). But the same people are silent on America doing the same.

At least Anutin has never spread anti-vac nonsense or conspiracy theories.

[candide]

Certainly a good move. However there's more to do re. pesticides and fertilizers, for example. Will the agro lobby let him change that too?

[candide]

18 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Funny that 99% of people on here criticised Thailand for having a health minister with no health qualifications (Anutin). But the same people are silent on America doing the same.

At least Anutin has never spread anti-vac nonsense or conspiracy theories.

His lack of qualifications is quickly forgotten after smoking a good joint! 😆

[Watawattana]

4 hours ago, Lacessit said:

The obesity level of America is more than 40%.

 

The obesity level in Japan is less than 4%.

 

Per 100,000 population, Japan has about 5 fast food outlets.

 

Per 100,000 population, the USA has about 70.

There are 000s upon 000s of fast food joints in Japan, yes of course not as much of the McD/KFC etc. trash, but lots and lots of local fast food.  Fried, not always the best meat, just like McD/KFC etc.

 

The difference that's simple though.  The Japanese don't overeat bad or processed food to the extent that the Americans do, and they don't eat the same volume of food.  Nothing wrong if someone wants a McD, just don't have that as a snack along with the regular 3 massive meals that so many Americans often have.  I've seen it often enough with my own eyes; I've been to 43 of the 50 states (and the 51st state quite a few times too).  😂

 

It's the people eating the fast food, not the fast food itself, that's the problem.

 

[placeholder]

"The eight dyes now under scrutiny are still widely used in the United States, but food manufacturers already take a different approach in other parts of the world. In European and Canadian markets, where products containing such dyes require warning labels, companies have long since adopted natural alternatives."

 

So the USA is going to follow the lead of these vaccine-loving WHO supporting nations? It's clear that Kennedy is being played by petroleum-hating radical environmentalists.

[placeholder]

1 hour ago, Watawattana said:

There are 000s upon 000s of fast food joints in Japan, yes of course not as much of the McD/KFC etc. trash, but lots and lots of local fast food.  Fried, not always the best meat, just like McD/KFC etc.

 

The difference that's simple though.  The Japanese don't overeat bad or processed food to the extent that the Americans do, and they don't eat the same volume of food.  Nothing wrong if someone wants a McD, just don't have that as a snack along with the regular 3 massive meals that so many Americans often have.  I've seen it often enough with my own eyes; I've been to 43 of the 50 states (and the 51st state quite a few times too).  😂

 

It's the people eating the fast food, not the fast food itself, that's the problem.

 

You sure about that?

"What makes junk food addictive?

Junk food addiction stems from how these foods are engineered to be hard to resist. Manufacturers use various food science tricks to ensure you keep coming back for more. Let's explore some of these concepts that contribute to junk food addiction:

Dynamic contrast

Vanishing calorie density

Sensory specific satiety (SSS)

Evoked qualities

Energy density theory

Post-ingestional conditioning

Salivary response

Super normal stimulus

Casomorphins

High glycemic starch

https://www.nutriadvanced.co.uk/news/the-science-of-junk-food-addiction-how-the-companies-keep-us-lovin-it/

 

[jas007]

7 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

This is a rather extraordinary day in American history when you have a Trump appointee, a guy like RFK actually trying to do something that benefits the population. 

I think that's pretty much what he's all about. The food dye problem was an is easy fix. It's already banned in many parts of the world and it is problematic, to put it mildly.  Up next will be all the other chemicals in food. Junk they put in there to make it taste good or for other reasons.  None of it is really necessary but the food industry seems to have good lobbyists and they make a lot of money selling the public ultra-processed food with ingredients you can't even pronounce. 

 

But the big drug companies and the medical industry?  He's up against big $$$$ in that arena and can expect to see a lot of blowback.  Maybe he'll succeed.  Too many people are being damaged by existing medical protocols.   

[spidermike007]

5 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

Yes, but does it cause cognitive dissonance for people who think Trump is Hitler when some people working for him are clearly doing something that benefits the population?

 

Your Trump is Hitler / Trump is a deranged madman theory doesn't add up, does it? 

 

Trump is definitely not a Hitler and I do not think that his intention is to slaughter millions of people though I do question what he would do with unlimited power I do not consider his intentions to be positive or noble, and I think the fact that Kennedy is doing something to benefit people is more or less an accident. 

[Harrisfan]

9 hours ago, Lacessit said:

The obesity level of America is more than 40%.

 

The obesity level in Japan is less than 4%.

 

Per 100,000 population, Japan has about 5 fast food outlets.

 

Per 100,000 population, the USA has about 70.

Japan has convenience food like 7/11 everywhere but they eat small serves.

[Lacessit]

4 hours ago, Watawattana said:

There are 000s upon 000s of fast food joints in Japan, yes of course not as much of the McD/KFC etc. trash, but lots and lots of local fast food.  Fried, not always the best meat, just like McD/KFC etc.

 

The difference that's simple though.  The Japanese don't overeat bad or processed food to the extent that the Americans do, and they don't eat the same volume of food.  Nothing wrong if someone wants a McD, just don't have that as a snack along with the regular 3 massive meals that so many Americans often have.  I've seen it often enough with my own eyes; I've been to 43 of the 50 states (and the 51st state quite a few times too).  😂

 

It's the people eating the fast food, not the fast food itself, that's the problem.

 

In a number of visits to America, I never ceased to be astounded by the quantity of food heaped onto plates in restaurants. Not a square inch was left uncovered. Roast beef the size of a loaf of bread, starters which were a meal in themselves.

 

The problem with fast food is its quantity of carbohydrates and sugar. Cut out those components from the diet and people will lose weight fast.

 

Our ancestry is hunters and fishermen. We only started getting fat when we began growing crops.

 

It is a myth fat is bad for you. I eat as much cheese as I want, which is 40% fat.

 

I lost 13 kg by banning potatoes, rice, carrots, sugar, and processed carbohydrate from my diet. I eat bamboo, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. My BMI is normal.

 

QED.

 

 

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

In a number of visits to America, I never ceased to be astounded by the quantity of food heaped onto plates in restaurants. Not a square inch was left uncovered. Roast beef the size of a loaf of bread, starters which were a meal in themselves.

 

The problem with fast food is its quantity of carbohydrates and sugar. Cut out those components from the diet and people will lose weight fast.

 

Our ancestry is hunters and fishermen. We only started getting fat when we began growing crops.

 

I lost 13 kg by banning potatoes, rice, carrots, sugar, and processed carbohydrate from my diet. I eat bamboo, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. My BMI is normal.

 

QED.

 

 

Don't you lack energy?

[Will B Good]

10 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I wonder if he will get around to closing McDonald's, KFC and Pizza Hut?

 

If America wants to get serious about its obesity epidemic......

 

Maybe they could initiate a countrywide organisation aimed at encouraging healthy diets and exercise daily?

 

I was thinking of a catchy name along the lines of........ "FAT LOSERS".......??

[Lacessit]

14 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Maybe they could initiate a countrywide organisation aimed at encouraging healthy diets and exercise daily?

 

I was thinking of a catchy name along the lines of........ "FAT LOSERS".......??

I can still remember a program in primary school which explained the link between alcohol consumption and cirrhosis of the liver.

 

I wonder if any of that kind of education still exists.

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, Lacessit said:

I can still remember a program in primary school which explained the link between alcohol consumption and cirrhosis of the liver.

 

I wonder if any of that kind of education still exists.

 

If it does..... not much longer if it has to be paid for.

[Cryingdick]

Kennedy is as crazy as they come but this is common sense. Coming back to the USA a few years back it is crazy what people eat. Although in many ways Thailand isn't any better in that regard. I guess if you had to eat every meal only from 7/11 USA or 7/11 Thailand the Thai version would kill you faster these days.

 

The drink coolers in both versions are pure bottled death. 

[Lacessit]

13 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

Kennedy is as crazy as they come but this is common sense. Coming back to the USA a few years back it is crazy what people eat. Although in many ways Thailand isn't any better in that regard. I guess if you had to eat every meal only from 7/11 USA or 7/11 Thailand the Thai version would kill you faster these days.

 

The drink coolers in both versions are pure bottled death. 

Thai food is healthier because the meals are not super-sized.

 

As for 7/11, nothing wrong with their Caesar salads.