Context:

Efforts to reduce chronic disease and neurobehavioral issues in the US have targeted synthetic food dyes, with California leading legislative actions banning certain dyes due to health concerns. The movement, inspired by the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, has seen 25 states follow suit and the FDA working towards phasing out petroleum-based dyes. However, experts caution that removing dyes doesn't make highly processed foods healthier, as these products often contain excessive sugar and other additives. A recent study found that foods with synthetic dyes had significantly higher sugar content, marking them as less healthy. The prevalence of ultraprocessed foods in the US, linked to various health issues, underscores the need for a broader focus on healthy eating and accessibility to whole foods.

Dive Deeper:

• California initiated legislative action against synthetic food dyes, banning red dye No. 3 in 2023, with 25 other states following with similar restrictions due to health risks, including cancer and behavioral issues.

• The 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, led by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has influenced these legislative efforts, while the FDA plans to phase out petroleum-based dyes.

• Experts warn that eliminating synthetic dyes from foods doesn't automatically improve their healthiness, as evidenced by a study showing dyed foods contain 141% more sugar than non-dyed counterparts.

• Ultraprocessed foods, comprising 70% of the US food supply, are high in sugar, refined grains, and additives, associated with various diseases, and a focus on reducing these could benefit public health.

• A study highlighted the widespread use of synthetic dyes in 19% of US food and beverage products, with sports drinks and confectionery being top categories, suggesting a need for continued regulatory focus.

• Synthetic dyes serve as a red flag for unhealthy products, prompting some states to include other additives in their legislation, and urging consumers to shift towards whole foods for better health outcomes.

• Efforts to phase out synthetic dyes continue, with companies like Kraft Heinz planning to eliminate them from their products by 2027, while experts emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and transparency.