RFK Jr. announces intent to phase out synthetic food dyes

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health department announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply in a bid to ramp up pressure on an industry he has often derided.

The Department of Health and Human Services said it aims to work with the industry to eliminate six synthetic dyes — such as red dye No. 40 and yellow dye No. 5 — from the food supply by the end of 2026.

“One by one we’re going to get rid of every ingredient and additive in food that we can legally address,” Kennedy said.