In a historic shift, dozens of U.S. states are introducing legislation to regulate or ban artificial food dyes and chemical additives in response to rising public concern over health risks. These proposals, part of a growing trend across red and blue states alike, reflect mounting frustration over the federal government’s slow response to food safety concerns—and a new wave of populist health politics powered by the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.
While some states are seeking outright bans, others are requiring warning labels or restricting the use of specific additives in school meals. The sudden increase in legislative activity is forcing both regulators and food manufacturers to confront a long-brewing issue: Should the U.S. align more closely with global standards that already restrict artificial dyes?
Food Dyes Under Fire: What’s Changing?
At the heart of this movement are petroleum-based synthetic colorings such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Green 3, which are common in candies, cereals, snacks, and beverages. While these dyes remain legal under current FDA regulations, other countries—including those in the European Union, Canada, and the U.K.—already restrict or label them due to potential health concerns, especially for children.
New laws in Arizona y Utah will soon prohibit artificial dyes and certain preservatives in public school food programs. Texas has gone a different route, passing legislation requiring warning labels on over 40 food additives, informing consumers that some ingredients are not recommended for human consumption by international health agencies.
You can view the current U.S. regulations on food additives at the FDA’s Food Ingredients and Packaging page.
Despite FDA approval, growing research has suggested links between some synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children. While more studies are needed, consumer sentiment has shifted sharply. Major food brands like Nestlé, Kraft Heinzy Kellogg’s have already pledged to phase out artificial dyes in many products, citing public demand for cleaner labels and safer ingredients.
The MAHA Effect: From Regulation Resistance to Reform Support
Perhaps the most surprising development is the bipartisan political support behind this wave of bills. Conservative lawmakers—traditionally resistant to regulation—are now among the strongest voices calling for food safety reform. This change is being driven by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which has made food additives a centerpiece of its public health platform.
Backed by political figures like former President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., MAHA has helped mainstream concerns about food industry transparency, calling for “gold-standard science” in regulatory decisions. However, some critics argue that parts of the movement have veered into pseudoscience, especially regarding seed oils, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals.
Still, the core argument around food dye bans—that U.S. food safety standards lag behind other developed nations—is resonating with voters across ideological lines. MAHA’s influence is likely to remain strong, especially as upcoming elections place more focus on family health, nutrition, and consumer rights.
For a deeper dive into consumer health movements, visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
What Comes Next: National Standard or State-by-State Chaos?
The rapid proliferation of state laws raises a serious challenge for national food producers: How can they maintain uniformity in recipes, packaging, and supply chains when each state may have different requirements?
Industry groups like the Consumer Brands Association argue that a patchwork of state regulations is unsustainable. They warn that differing state laws could lead to confusion, higher costs, and logistical complications for both manufacturers and retailers. As a result, many experts now believe the FDA will be forced to intervene, potentially issuing broader, nationwide regulations that go beyond the agency’s current plans to phase out Red No. 3.
Whether or not this happens in 2025 remains uncertain. Manufacturing changes take time, especially in sectors like frozen desserts or colorful cereals, where consumer expectations and visual appeal still drive purchasing habits.
You can follow the FDA’s regulatory updates on additives at the Federal Register.
In the meantime, state legislators continue to lead the charge, emboldened by a groundswell of public support and frustration over long-standing regulatory inaction. As more states weigh similar bills in the coming months, the U.S. may be on the verge of a food labeling revolution.
