U.S. Food Supply Seeks Natural Dyes Amid Health Concerns

Amid growing health concerns and consumer demand, U.S. health officials have called for food manufacturers to voluntarily eliminate petroleum-based artificial dyes by the end of 2026. This shift is driven by mounting evidence linking synthetic dyes to potential health risks, particularly for children, and follows recent state laws and a federal ban on the dye Red 3 due to cancer risks in lab animals. Companies like Sensient Technologies are racing to develop plant-based color alternatives, but the transition is complex, costly, and time-consuming, as natural dyes tend to be less stable and harder to produce. Industry leaders such as PepsiCo and General Mills are already preparing to reformulate products, though experts warn that replacing synthetic dyes with natural ones will require significant research and innovation. Federal regulators currently allow about three dozen color additives, eight of which are synthetic, but the industry is under increasing pressure to switch to ingredients like carrot juice and algae-derived beta-carotene. The push for natural dyes is also being amplified by social media influencers and ordinary consumers advocating for healthier food options.