RFK Jr. Just Banned These 8 Food Dyes

The Health Secretary’s crusade against Big Food just got sharper—and far more controversial. The eight artificial dyes being banned are among the most commonly used in U.S. processed foods.

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced this week that eight artificial food dyes will be banned from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, marking one of the most aggressive food policy shifts in modern history.

The eight artificial dyes being banned—FD&C Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B—are among the most commonly used in U.S. processed foods.

The dyes—used in everything from cereal to soda—will be phased out in both food and medications. The move follows private meetings with major food manufacturers and fast-food companies, who Kennedy says are seeking guidance on how to comply. No major companies have publicly endorsed the plan, but the International Dairy Foods Association has pledged to remove dyes from products sold in schools.

Kennedy didn’t stop at food coloring. During a press conference, he declared, “Sugar is poison,” blaming it for a rise in obesity, diabetes, and behavioral disorders. Critics called the rhetoric alarmist and pointed to mass layoffs at the FDA and NIH that could undermine enforcement.

So how serious is this policy—and what could it mean for your plate, your kids, and your politics?

In today’s Pro Brief, we break down the science, the politics, and what happens next—including:

• The science behind the dye ban—and why some doctors support it

• The backlash from scientists and agency officials

• How RFK Jr.’s reforms are reshaping Trump’s agenda

• Why food companies are worried—but not resisting

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