Food Industry Says There’s No Agreement to Cut Dyes: Bloomberg
The Dept. of Health & Human Services said it plans to work with food companies to phase out use of many artificial food colorings by 2026, but industry lobbyists say there’s no agreement in place to remove the dyes, according to people familiar with the matter — so begins a Bloomberg news story on the April 22 press conference that promised the elimination of six petroleum-based additives.
The Bloomberg story is light on “people familiar with the matter” and who those industry lobbyists are, but it does offer some revelations, including:
- Consumer Brands Assn. previously proposed that manufacturers voluntarily begin phasing out synthetic dyes in a memo to HHS following a March meeting with industry leaders, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy and HHS officials
- That document suggested actions to be taken by the end of 2025, including offering synthetic dye-free foods in schools and submitting a petition asking the FDA to revoke regulations for use of synthetic food dyes.
- As part of that proposal, the industry group requested the Trump administration provide tariff exemptions and urge state legislatures to refrain from imposing regulations on the industry.
It’s a good read, and it may require a subscription, but read it here.
Another good and helpful read: our February story "Here are Replacements for Banned Color Additives."