EWG publishes comment on US food dye ‘ban’

THE WHAT? The Environmental Working Group has released a statement following widespread reports that Trump is banning artificial food dyes. The non-profit pointed out that Trump’s announcement of an ‘understanding’ with the food industry does not amount to a ban.

THE DETAILS While the announcement is welcome, the EWG contends that the FDA has failed to act on banning dyes in food for decades prohibiting the known carcinogen Red Dye No. 3 from cosmetics in 1990 but waiting a further 30 years to ban it from food and drink. That inaction led states to take the lead on regulating or banning these concerning chemicals, the EWG argues.

THE WHY? Melanie Benesh, EWG Vice President for Government Affairs, explains, “The Food and Drug Administration has known for decades that synthetic food dyes are linked to health problems, particularly in children, but has failed to act.
“We’re hopeful that the FDA may follow the lead of states like California and West Virginia by finally announcing their intent to ban dyes. We’re grateful that states like California and West Virginia have forced the FDA to make food safety a bigger priority.
“To be clear, however, an understanding with industry is neither a settlement nor a ban.”

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