Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act

This bill would ban certain artificial food dyes in the United States. Starting January 1, 2027, any food that contains these dyes would be considered unsafe and could not be sold as food. The list includes Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Citrus Red 2, titanium dioxide, and any dye that is very similar to these. Foods with these dyes would be treated as “adulterated” under existing food safety law, meaning they can’t legally be in our food supply after that date.

What this means in everyday life: food makers would need to remove these dyes or switch to other colorings. You might see changes in the color of snacks, cereals, candies, and drinks. Stores could pull products that don’t meet the rule after the deadline.

• Who is affected: food companies, grocery stores, and shoppers
• What changes: listed dyes (like Red 40, Yellow 5, and titanium dioxide) and any similar dyes can’t be used in food; foods with them are not allowed for sale as food
• When: takes effect January 1, 2027