RFK Jr. Pushes To Ban Food Dyes Linked To Child Hyperactivity And Cancer

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is committed to making America Healthy Again.

The Health and Human Services Secretary is taking formal steps to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the American food supply. 

Kennedy, in coordination with newly confirmed FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, is expected to announce a regulatory roadmap for phasing out petroleum-based color additives. The initiative is part of Kennedy’s broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which aims to address chronic illness and environmental exposures contributing to declining public health.

A previously published – but now removed – media release from the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that Tuesday’s announcement will outline the administration’s intent to remove artificial dyes from processed foods and school meals nationwide. While the full scope of the proposal remains unclear, Kennedy has been publicly critical of the food industry’s reliance on color additives, stating that manufacturers have been allowed to “mass poison” American children.

Synthetic food dyes, such as Red Dye No. 3, Red 40, and Yellow 5, are commonly found in cereals, candies, sodas, yogurts, and packaged snacks. The FDA currently permits 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes, under regulations that have long drawn criticism from public health advocates and concerned parents.

According to a 2021 review conducted by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, some food dyes may contribute to behavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity and attention issues. The report found that sensitivity varies from child to child, but the link is enough to warrant further scrutiny. While the FDA has stated that most children do not experience adverse effects from food dyes, it also acknowledged that some may be more vulnerable and confirmed that its review of these substances remains ongoing.

“It’s encouraging to see the FDA working towards a ban on synthetic food dyes, but it’s clear that phasing them out will involve a multistep process that will take a long time to accomplish,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.

Consumer groups have pushed for a ban for years, arguing that the dyes are unnecessary and potentially harmful. Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition and food studies at New York University, said, “These dyes are unnecessary. If there’s any question at all about whether they might be harmful, let’s get rid of them.”

The food industry is already under mounting pressure to adjust. Last month, Kennedy held a meeting with executives from General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Tyson Foods, and the Consumer Brands Association. Melissa Hockstad, the association’s chief executive, later wrote in a message to industry leaders that Kennedy expressed a “strong desire” to eliminate synthetic dyes and that “he wants this done before he leaves office.”

In anticipation of federal action, some manufacturers have already begun reformulating products. The International Dairy Foods Association recently announced a voluntary commitment to remove certified artificial colors from milk, cheese, and yogurts served in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs by July 2026.

At the state level, California enacted a law in 2023 banning the sale of products containing Red Dye No. 3 and other additives. West Virginia followed with a sweeping measure that bars seven synthetic dyes from school meal programs starting this August, and from all state food sales beginning in 2028.

The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 earlier this year, citing animal studies linking the additive to cancer. While the agency maintained that there is no evidence the dye causes cancer in humans, it said the decision was based on a federal law prohibiting additives that cause cancer in either humans or animals at any dose.

What Comes Next?

Tuesday’s announcement is expected to provide a regulatory timeline, including public comment periods and proposed rulemaking. Any federal phaseout would be a major logistical and financial undertaking for the food industry, which relies on synthetic dyes for product appearance, branding consistency, and shelf appeal. However, many companies already offer dye-free alternatives abroad, particularly in European markets where regulations are stricter.

Despite the potential for industry pushback, Kennedy’s administration appears committed to seeing this initiative through. The proposal aligns with a broader national conversation about food safety, corporate responsibility, and the long-term health consequences of common additives.

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