Tyson Foods eliminates toxic synthetic dyes ahead of FDA ban

By isabelle // 2025-05-07

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Tyson Foods will eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from its products by the end of the month in a move praised by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a step to protect children from health risks like ADHD.
The FDA plans to ban six artificial dyes by 2026, with Tyson already reformulating most retail products, including chicken nuggets, to remove them.
Kennedy applauded Tyson’s move, urging other companies to follow, as part of the Trump administration’s push to phase out harmful food additives.
The FDA is cracking down on synthetic dyes linked to childhood health issues, with Commissioner Marty Makary citing rising diabetes, obesity, and ADHD cases.
PepsiCo and other companies are also removing artificial colors, signaling industry-wide change driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressure.

In a major victory for public health, Tyson Foods announced it will remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from its products by the end of May in a move that has been praised by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a critical step toward safeguarding children from harmful chemicals linked to ADHD, obesity, and other health risks. The decision comes ahead of the FDA’s planned 2026 ban on six artificial dyes, signaling a growing industry shift toward cleaner ingredients.

A proactive response to health concerns

During a May 5 earnings call, Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King revealed the company has been "proactively reformulating" its products to eliminate synthetic dyes, with most of its retail-branded items, including chicken nuggets, already free of the additives. None of Tyson’s school nutrition program offerings contain these dyes, aligning with Kennedy’s push for healthier food options for children. Kennedy, who has made food safety a cornerstone of his HHS agenda, applauded Tyson’s decision on social media: "I look forward to seeing more companies follow suit and put the health of Americans first. Together, we will make America Healthy Again." His remarks underscore the Trump administration’s broader effort to phase out chemicals deemed hazardous by scientific studies.

The FDA’s crackdown on harmful additives

The FDA has targeted synthetic dyes due to mounting evidence linking them to neurobehavioral issues in children. In April, the agency announced plans to revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, while urging manufacturers to eliminate six others, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, by 2026. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the urgency, stating, "We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children.” A 2021 California EPA report reinforced these concerns, noting a rise in ADHD diagnoses from 6.1% to 10.2% over two decades, with artificial dyes identified as a contributing factor. While the FDA maintains that current dye levels in food are "safe," Kennedy and health advocates argue that precautionary action is necessary to protect vulnerable populations.

Industry momentum builds

Tyson’s announcement follows similar commitments from PepsiCo, which pledged to remove artificial colors from Lay’s and Tostitos by year’s end. The swift industry response suggests companies are eager to avoid regulatory penalties while capitalizing on consumer demand for cleaner labels. Kennedy’s hands-on approach, including a March meeting with food executives, has accelerated the timeline for change. "They said it’s going to take us a while," he told CBS in April. "And I said they all have to be out within two years." Tyson’s early compliance positions it as a leader in the sector, though critics note the move may also preempt stricter enforcement.

A healthier future for American families

Tyson’s decision marks a turning point in the fight against toxic food additives, demonstrating how federal pressure and consumer awareness can drive meaningful reform. As Kennedy’s HHS continues to prioritize transparency and science-based policies, families may soon see a food supply free of the dyes long suspected of harming children’s health. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com KATV.com