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States race to ban toxic food dyes as RFK Jr. pushes industry for reform
By isabelle // 2025-03-12
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  • At least a dozen states are banning synthetic food dyes linked to health risks, particularly for children, citing neurobehavioral issues and cancer concerns.
  • West Virginia leads with a comprehensive ban on multiple food dyes, gaining bipartisan support and public backing from the MAHA movement.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pressured food industry leaders to remove artificial dyes from products before he leaves office.
  • The FDA faces criticism for its slow response to banning harmful additives, prompting states to take independent action.
In a sweeping effort to protect public health, at least a dozen U.S. states are racing to ban common food dyes and chemical additives linked to health risks, particularly for children. From West Virginia to New York, lawmakers are taking action to eliminate synthetic dyes found in candies, snacks, and beverages, citing growing concerns over neurobehavioral issues and potential cancer risks. The movement has gained momentum under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has urged food industry leaders to remove artificial dyes from products by the time he leaves office.

West Virginia leads the charge

West Virginia has emerged as a trailblazer in the fight against food additives, passing a comprehensive ban on a range of yellow, blue, green, and red dyes. The measure, which has garnered bipartisan support, prohibits the sale of any food product containing these chemicals and is expected to reach the governor’s desk for final approval soon. State Senator Laura Wakim Chapman, chair of the West Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, credited the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement for galvanizing public support. “Viral videos and social media content are informing the public about the dangers of unnecessary food additives,” Chapman said. “I am a mother of two and care deeply about their health. I think most parents do.” Other states are following suit. Virginia recently passed a bill banning seven food dyes from public schools, while Oklahoma advanced a measure to prohibit 21 synthetic dyes and additives, requiring warning labels on affected products. New York lawmakers are pushing for a ban on seven dyes in school foods and statewide sales of products containing Red 3 Dye and other additives. California, a leader in the movement, banned six dyes from school meals last year and prohibited Red 3 Dye and three other additives from statewide sales in 2023.

RFK Jr.’s ultimatum to the food industry

These state-level efforts align with a broader push by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made removing artificial dyes a cornerstone of his public health agenda. In a closed-door meeting with food industry leaders, including CEOs from PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills, Kennedy issued a clear directive: eliminate artificial dyes from products before he leaves office. “The Secretary made clear his intention to take action unless the industry is willing to be proactive with solutions,” wrote Melissa Hockstad, CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, in a memo obtained by ABC News. Kennedy’s stance reflects growing public demand for safer food options. “Consumers are demanding better food choices and questioning why other countries restrict harmful dyes while America continues to allow them,” said Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican legislator in Virginia who championed the state’s dye ban.

FDA under scrutiny

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has faced criticism for its handling of food additives. In January, the agency banned Red 3 Dye, but only after years of pressure from advocates citing studies linking the dye to cancer in rodents. Critics argue the FDA has been slow to act, prompting states to take matters into their own hands. “I think many see FDA’s belated ban on Red 3 as further evidence that FDA is not very effective at safeguarding the food supply,” said Lisa Lefferts, an environmental health consultant who served on a 2011 FDA advisory board. The food industry, however, has pushed back, warning that state-level bans could lead to higher prices and reduced accessibility. The National Confectioners Association (NCA) argued that the FDA should be the sole authority on food additives, stating, “Decision-making should be left to FDA.” As states forge ahead with bans and Kennedy pressures the industry to reformulate products, the movement to eliminate artificial dyes marks a turning point in the fight for safer food. With bipartisan support and growing public awareness, the push for transparency and healthier options is gaining traction. Sources for this article include: TheGuardian.com Reuters.com ABCNews.go.com
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