Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act
Sponsored By: Representative Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Introduced
Summary
Ban eleven common food color additives from foods nationwide. This bill would deem 11 named color additives unsafe for use in or on food and treat any food containing them as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The prohibition would start January 1, 2027.
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- Families and children would likely see fewer products made with the listed dyes, including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and titanium dioxide. Some items may be reformulated or relabeled.
- Food manufacturers would need to reformulate products or stop using the 11 covered additives by January 1, 2027.
- Retailers and distributors could not sell foods that contain these additives after the effective date because those foods would be considered adulterated.
- The Food and Drug Administration would enforce the ban by applying the adulteration standard in 21 U.S.C. 342(c).
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Nationwide ban on common food dyes
If enacted, the FDA would treat several common food dyes as unsafe. Starting January 1, 2027, foods with these dyes would be considered adulterated under federal law and could face FDA enforcement. The list includes Red No. 40, Red No. 3, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Orange B, Citrus Red 2, and titanium dioxide, plus dyes substantially similar to these. This would apply nationwide, regardless of past FDA approvals. Food makers, importers, stores, and restaurants would need to change recipes or stop selling affected items.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
NY • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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