FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary on Removing Artificial Dyes from Food

Removing Petroleum-Based Food Dyes

• 💡 Artificial dyes, many of which are petroleum-based, are being targeted for removal from the US food supply.
• ⚠️ Studies and parental observations suggest a link between these dyes and behavioral changes in children.
• 🎯 The administration has urged food companies to swiftly remove these dyes, working individually with them to achieve this goal.
• 🚀 Major food manufacturers like General Mills and Kraft Heinz have pledged to remove these dyes, responding to public demand and scientific evidence.
• 📈 Mars has also announced the removal of titanium dioxide, an ingredient of concern separate from the dyes.

Consumer Demand and Industry Response

• 🧠 The movement to remove artificial dyes is seen as a democratic mission, responding to both science and public will.
• 📊 Similar to the shift away from high added sugar, consumer education and demand are driving industry changes.
• 💰 Taxpayer-funded food programs, like SNAP, are beginning to exclude sugary drinks and junk food.

Infant Formula Review and Nutrition Science

• 🔬 The FDA is reviewing infant formula, a process that hasn't seen significant change in nearly 30 years, focusing on ingredients like seed oils.
• ⚠️ While research on seed oils is ongoing, some studies suggest potential effects on visual acuity in primates.
• 🍼 An expert panel highlighted concerns about heavy metals and added sugar in infant formula, which parents want removed.
• 🧩 The current infant formula recipe, largely unchanged for decades, is considered a regulatory failure that could be improved with modern nutrition science.
• 👩‍🍼 While breast milk is the optimal nutrition for newborns, safe and healthy alternatives are crucial for mothers who cannot breastfeed.
• 📈 The FDA aims to foster innovation in infant formula by allowing greater regulatory flexibility to incorporate advancements in nutrition science and prevent supply chain shortages.