FDA commissioner explains new labeling guidelines for dyes on food packages
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is making an immediate change in an effort to clarify labels on food packaging.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary spoke exclusively with "Good Morning America" about updating guidelines for the "no artificial color" labels on food packaging, as part of an effort to cut back on Americans' consumption of artificially dyed foods.
For the first time, the label will now exempt foods dyed with natural sources like beets or watermelon juice from being designated as artificial colors.
Products made with synthetic, petroleum-based dyes will not qualify for the label.
"For consumers, this should mean more clarity. They'll be able to trust and understand what it means when the label says no artificial dyes," Makary said.
The move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to discourage American families from buying foods with artificial coloring.
"Removing artificial food dyes from the U.S. food supply is not a silver bullet that's suddenly going to make our children healthier, but it is one important step, and it is one set of chemicals that just doesn't make sense," Makary said.
Big household brands like Walmart, General Mills and Hershey have already pledged to reduce artificial dyes in some of their products by the end of next year.
While research on the health impact of natural food dyes is limited, some artificial chemicals, such as dyes like Red 40, have been linked to hyperactivity in children, as well as colonic inflammation which may contribute to the development of colon cancer.
Nutritionist Maya Feller weighed in on the food label guidance, telling "GMA," "At face value, this proposal ... seems sensible. My question is, what happens when we go to places in the country where people don't have access, are they going to be able to also access these new foods that don't have petroleum based food dyes, and are they going to be affordable to them?"
There is a general consensus among medical experts that natural dyes are a better alternative than artificial options. But some say the bigger focus should be on cutting out ingredients that have higher risks to children's health like added fats, sugars and salt.
