RFK Jr’s FDA Drops Another Bombshell Change

RFK giving a speech.
RFK Jr.

Marking a major victory for Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary RFK Jr. and the FDA dropped another bombshell change with a sweeping ban on some artificial food dyes.

RFK Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced the phase-out of petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, targeting popular American snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Skittles, and Mountain Dew Baja Blast.

The Trump administration has prioritized removing artificial dyes from the American food supply.

The Department of Health and Human Services is spearheading the effort to eliminate six synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3.

This follows an earlier decision to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 by January 2025 due to cancer risks found in laboratory animals.

This change will affect major food companies, including PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars, and WK Kellogg.

The agency will establish a national standard and timeline for transitioning to natural alternatives.

It also plans to revoke authorization for synthetic dyes while expediting the approval of natural color additives.

At a press conference announcing the changes, Dr. Marty Makary highlighted the growing health concerns associated with artificial colors.

“For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,” he stated, citing research linking artificial colors to increased hyperactivity in children.

Furthermore, the Trump administration’s move reflects a broader effort to address America’s child chronic disease epidemic by focusing on nutritional health rather than pharmaceutical interventions.

Since his appointment, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made significant changes to federal health agencies, including staff cuts and program suspensions.

This is part of the administration’s commitment to opposing drug and food companies’ influence on public health policy.

Transitioning to natural dyes presents challenges for food manufacturers.

Natural alternatives typically produce less saturated colors, are more sensitive to environmental factors like light and heat, and cost significantly more than synthetic options.

Despite these challenges, Makary insisted that phasing out synthetic dyes will not increase food prices.

Some companies have already begun transitioning to natural alternatives in response to consumer demand for cleaner ingredients.

Nevertheless, not all changes have been well-received, as consumers sometimes notice differences in appearance and taste when formulations change.

The FDA’s decision effectively forces all manufacturers to make this transition, leveling the playing field for companies that have already invested in natural alternatives.

While there is no formal agreement between the FDA and the food industry to remove artificial dyes, only an “understanding,” the agency’s timeline makes clear that manufacturers must comply or face regulatory consequences.

The Trump administration has reportedly held meetings with top food executives to discuss the implementation of these changes.

This decisive action represents a significant step in the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform.

It prioritizes the health of American families over corporate convenience and demonstrates that meaningful health reform can come through nutrition rather than expensive pharmaceutical interventions.