Washington – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Social Services, announced on Tuesday a plan to prohibit synthetic food dyes that color daily snacks such as Flamin 'Hot Cheetos and M & MS.
The first step of plan is for the Food and Drug Administration of the United States to revoke the authorization of Red N ° 2 of Citrus and Orange B.
After that, the Ministry of Health and Social Services said that it will work with industry to eliminate six oil -based food coloring: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.
California adopted a law prohibiting these six dyes Last year, citing damage to development and behavioral in children. State law should come into force at the end of 2027.
The FDA rather encourages the use of so -called natural food coloring such as Gardenia Blue and calcium phosphate. “Red dye try the watermelon juice or beet juice,” said FDA commissioner, Marty Makary, during the media event, brandishing a jar of crimson liquid.
The announcement on Tuesday aims to encourage the food color industry to cooperate to eliminate these dyes by the end of next year, according to the department.
“Let's start in a friendly way and see if we can do it without any statutory or regulatory change,” said Makary. “They want to do it.”
Makary noted at the event he had worked with government representatives in California to develop these federal changes offered.
Food dyes have been under control for years, as consumer defenders have said they contain harmful additives for humans. In January, the FDA Dye Rouge prohibits no. 3 – Used in current items such as fruit cocktail cherries and Nesquik strawberry milk – After some studies, the additive had increased the risk of cancer in some laboratory animals.
In accordance with Kennedy's mission to eliminate synthetic food dyes as soon as possible, the department's announcement also calls for food companies to get rid of red. 3 in their products earlier than The deadline previously contained. (California prohibited the use of Red 3 in 2023; this law should also come into force in 2027.)
Kennedy blamed food additives for a myriad of health problems. His supporters announced the announcement on Tuesday as a major stage of the secretary's movement to “make America again healthy”. A Gallup poll Last year revealed that 28% of respondents did not have much confidence in the ability of the federal government to ensure that food supply is safe. 14% additional had no confidence.
“The industry earns money to keep us sick,” said Kennedy during the announcement.
