[Updated] U.S. Color Additive Updates in 2026

Background

In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a series of measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. This initiative aligns with the administration's "Making America Healthier Again" (MAHA) strategy. Key actions include revoking and eliminating the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes and authorizing new natural color additives. (Recommended reading: U.S. Announces Nationwide Measures to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Food Dyes)