On April 21, 2025, it was reported that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a media advisory describing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) intention to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply. This announcement comes a few months after the FDA revoked the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 (Red Dye No. 3) in food and ingested drugs. Scientific research has raised certain concerns that synthetic dyes, like Red Dye No. 3, may be carcinogenic or cause hyperactivity in children.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary are scheduled to speak at a press conference later today to discuss the FDA’s plan in greater detail. As more information is released, we will publish an update.
Venable's Food and Drug Law Practice is following this development and is here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of ingredient safety and compliance. Please contact the authors of this article with any questions.