{"id":295,"date":"2025-07-09T18:23:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T18:23:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/?p=295"},"modified":"2025-07-10T13:50:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T13:50:24","slug":"not-all-brands-are-onboard-with-ditching-synthetic-dyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/09\/not-all-brands-are-onboard-with-ditching-synthetic-dyes\/","title":{"rendered":"Not all brands are onboard with ditching synthetic dyes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"nxs-video-iframe\" data-frame-src=\"10582605\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\" layout=\"responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/redir1.thehill.com\/nxs-video-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\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><br \/>\n\t\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Major American brands have vowed to remove <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/homenews\/5261925-which-food-dyes-are-expected-to-be-eliminated-in-the-us\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/entertainment-news\/food\/kraft-heinz-artificial-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">synthetic food dyes<\/a> from their products, but M&#038;M&#8217;s and Skittles, made by Mars, remain colorful holdouts.<\/p>\n<p>Mars has continued to use synthetic dyes in its candies after backing off a 2016 plan to remove all artificial colors from its food portfolio.<\/p>\n<p>The company reversed course after it found that consumer attitudes varied by country, with Europeans largely opposed to <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/policy\/healthcare\/5261583-fda-phases-out-petroleum-food-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/policy\/healthcare\/5261583-fda-phases-out-petroleum-food-dyes\/\">synthetic dyes<\/a>, while others preferred artificially colored treats, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mars.com\/about\/policies-and-practices\/artificial-colors\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mars.com\/about\/policies-and-practices\/artificial-colors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mars website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Synthetic dyes have <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/homenews\/nexstar_media_wire\/5263259-list-which-foods-contain-the-dyes-that-rfk-wants-eliminated-in-the-us\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/politics\/rfk-jr-announce-ban-food-dye-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">come under fire<\/a> recently from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary\u00a0Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/policy\/healthcare\/5259563-trump-administration-artificial-dyes-plan\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/policy\/healthcare\/5259563-trump-administration-artificial-dyes-plan\/\">wants them removed<\/a> from the nation&#8217;s food supply over potential health risks.<\/p>\n<p>Some research has linked the dyes to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/oehha.ca.gov\/risk-assessment\/report\/health-effects-assessment-potential-neurobehavioral-effects-synthetic-food-dyes-children\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">behavioral health issues<\/a>\u00a0in children and places like Australia, Canada and the European Union generally have tighter restrictions on their use.<\/p>\n<p>Despite those concerns, synthetic dyes remain widespread, appearing in nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods and beverages on U.S. grocery shelves, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/us-food-drink-synthetic-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/us-food-drink-synthetic-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to a recent study<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>That study, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that confectionery companies had the most products containing synthetic dyes.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0National Confectioners Association, a candy industry trade group, <a href=\"https:\/\/candyusa.com\/news\/nca-statement-on-jand-study-regarding-food-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/candyusa.com\/news\/nca-statement-on-jand-study-regarding-food-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">criticized the study<\/a>, accusing the authors of having &#8220;major gaps in their analysis.&#8221; The NCA argued that chocolate and candy differ from other foods because Americans eat them less frequently, only two to three times per week.<\/p>\n<p>Both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skittles.com\/products\/skittles-original-fruity-candy-bag-72-oz-skittles-chewy\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.skittles.com\/products\/skittles-original-fruity-candy-bag-72-oz-skittles-chewy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skittles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mms.com\/en-us\/mms-candy-flavors\/milk-chocolate-mms-10oz\/ct2140-p.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mms.com\/en-us\/mms-candy-flavors\/milk-chocolate-mms-10oz\/ct2140-p.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">M&#038;M&#8217;s<\/a> list several synthetic dyes on their ingredient labels, including common dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. Mars did not respond to NewsNation&#8217;s request for comment on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p>So far, Kennedy has favored the carrot over the stick, encouraging companies to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.georgeinstitute.org\/news-and-media\/news\/one-in-five-us-foods-and-drinks-contain-synthetic-dyes-study-shows\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.georgeinstitute.org\/news-and-media\/news\/one-in-five-us-foods-and-drinks-contain-synthetic-dyes-study-shows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voluntarily phase out<\/a> synthetic dyes rather than pushing for major changes in federal regulation. Recent announcements suggest the approach is gaining traction.<\/p>\n<p>Food giants like <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/business\/5354677-kraft-heinz-ends-artificial-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/entertainment-news\/food\/kraft-heinz-artificial-dyes\/?ipid=promo-link-block2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kraft Heinz<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/homenews\/state-watch\/5303491-texas-ken-paxton-investigation-general-mills-cereal\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/homenews\/state-watch\/5303491-texas-ken-paxton-investigation-general-mills-cereal\/\">General Mills<\/a>, PepsiCo, <a href=\"https:\/\/thehill.com\/homenews\/ap\/ap-business\/ap-nestle-says-it-will-remove-artificial-dyes-from-us-foods-by-2026\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/nestle-artificial-dyes-mid-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nestle<\/a> and ConAgra have all unveiled plans to move away from artificial colors in their U.S. products. The question is whether they&#8217;ll follow through.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas Galligan, principal scientist for food additives at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, has expressed skepticism, noting that many companies have failed to keep similar promises in the past.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If the FDA were to require warning labels on synthetically dyed foods, similar to the rule in place since 2010 in the European Union, there would be a much stronger incentive for industry to reformulate,&#8221; Galligan <a href=\"https:\/\/www.georgeinstitute.org\/news-and-media\/news\/one-in-five-us-foods-and-drinks-contain-synthetic-dyes-study-shows\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.georgeinstitute.org\/news-and-media\/news\/one-in-five-us-foods-and-drinks-contain-synthetic-dyes-study-shows\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said in a recent statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Several states have taken matters into their own hands, passing legislation restricting synthetic dyes. In West Virginia, most artificial food dyes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/west-virginia-becomes-first-to-ban-artificial-food-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/west-virginia-becomes-first-to-ban-artificial-food-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">will be banned<\/a> starting in 2028. California and Virginia have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/health-headlines\/ap-states-move-to-ban-or-restrict-use-of-synthetic-dyes-used-in-candies-and-cereal\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/health\/health-headlines\/ap-states-move-to-ban-or-restrict-use-of-synthetic-dyes-used-in-candies-and-cereal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">banned six artificial dyes<\/a> from school food.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, beginning in 2027, Texas will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/us-news\/ap-us-news\/ap-texas-will-put-warning-labels-on-some-foods-but-its-additives-list-has-inaccuracies\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.newsnationnow.com\/us-news\/ap-us-news\/ap-texas-will-put-warning-labels-on-some-foods-but-its-additives-list-has-inaccuracies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">require warning labels<\/a> on foods or beverages made with any of more than 40 dyes or additives.  <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We follow and will continue to follow regulatory guidance from the authorities in this space because consumer safety is our chief responsibility and priority,&#8221; the\u00a0National Confectioners Association said in an <a href=\"https:\/\/candyusa.com\/news\/nca-statement-on-hhs-fda-announcement-regarding-food-dyes\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/candyusa.com\/news\/nca-statement-on-hhs-fda-announcement-regarding-food-dyes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">April statement<\/a> responding to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/hhs-fda-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-dyes-nations-food-supply\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kennedy&#8217;s push<\/a> to phase out synthetic food dyes.<\/p>\n<p>While several artificial dyes remain, Mars has removed another controversial additive, titanium dioxide, from Skittles. <\/p>\n<p>The chemical, which helps make candy appear shiny, was removed from all Skittles production at the end of last year, the company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-05-27\/skittles-removes-controversial-additive-targeted-by-rfk-jr\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-05-27\/skittles-removes-controversial-additive-targeted-by-rfk-jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">confirmed to Bloomberg<\/a> in May. The ingredient was already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c14kp3rdreeo\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/articles\/c14kp3rdreeo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">banned in the European Union<\/a> in 2022 over\u00a0possible health risks.<\/p>\n<p>According to its website, Mars is still committed to avoiding synthetic colors in its dinnertime foods. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Major American brands have vowed to remove synthetic food dyes from their products, but M&#038;M&#8217;s and Skittles, made by Mars, remain colorful holdouts. Mars has continued to use synthetic dyes in its candies after backing off a 2016 plan to remove all artificial colors from its food portfolio. The company reversed course after it found that consumer attitudes varied by country, with Europeans largely opposed to synthetic dyes, while others&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthcare"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":296,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions\/296"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wakeupknotts.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}