Some manufacturers in the United States seek to switch to natural dyes to color their foods as artificial food dyes are becoming more and more limited at the state and federal level.

US Food and Medicines Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced in a April 22 briefing that the agency is planning to work with the industry to phase out the use of oil -based synthetic dyes in the US food supply, reported Cnn.

These dyes are often used to produce food and beverages that are colorful and more appealing to consumers.

They include red # 40, yellow # 5 and no. 6, blue # 1 and # 2 and green # 3.

Natural food dyes that could replace them come from vegetables, fruits, animals and minerals, according to the FDA.

Due to concern over negative impacts on animal and human health – including increased risk of cancer and neurobehavioral problems, Makary’s message is the latest step in the push to get food companies to stop using artificial dyes.

In addition, the FDA is also soon aiming to approve four new natural dyes and quickly track the review of others, including Galdieria Extract Blue, Gardenia Blue, Butterfly PEA Flower Extract and Calcium Phosphate.

“The FDA asks food companies to (voluntarily) replace petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children,” Makary said in a news message. “… Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum -based foods, we should not take risks and do everything to protect our children’s health.”

Significant shifts in the legal landscape of food additives in the last two years are followed by the FDA message. California banned Red No 3 Statewide in October 2023, followed by a ban on six other common dyes in school food in August.

The FDA banned red # 3 in January, effective for food on January 15, 2027, and for drugs on January 18, 2028 – but the agency is now asking food companies to eliminate the dye before.

By banning seven dyes and two preservatives, in March, West Virginia adopted the most celebrated law so far.

Some natural dyes are already used in products sold in the United States, and some stores have policies that prevent the sale of food with synthetic dyes, said Melanie Benesh, vice president of state affairs in the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit -environmental health organization.