US to phase out many synthetic food dyes, FDA commissioner says

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said on Tuesday that the agency plans to remove petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply, citing studies that have raised concerns about a link to health conditions like ADHD, obesity and diabetes.

Speaking at a press conference, Makary said the agency would begin the process of revoking authorization for two synthetic food colorings within the coming months and would work with industry to eliminate six other dyes by the end of next year.

The Food and Drug Administration in a press release said it plans to authorize four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.

Makary said the transition from petroleum based food dyes to natural ingredient food dyes will not increase food prices. He suggested that food makers use ingredients like watermelon juice, beet juice and carrot juice to color their food.

It also plans to partner with the National Institutes of Health to research how food additives impact children's health and development.

"For the last 50 years, we have been running one of the largest uncontrolled scientific experiments in the world on our nation's children without their consent," Makary said.



(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington; Writing by Michael Erman; Editing by Chris Reese and Bill Berkrot)