Nestlé USA and Conagra Brands announced they will eliminate certain synthetic food dyes from their products within a year, responding to consumer backlash and pressure from health officials against artificial colors.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing pressure to take action on the synthetic food coloring, red No. 3, after California became the first state to ban it. Public health advocates are urging the FDA to remove the dye from the food supply nationwide, citing studies linking synthetic food dyes to behavioral issues in children. Consumer advocacy groups have filed a petition with the FDA to ban red No. 3, and the recent action in California is expected to increase the likelihood of the petition being granted. The FDA is currently reviewing the petition and assessing the available data on the dye's safety.