The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, urging manufacturers to adopt natural alternatives such as beet juice and turmeric. Major companies including Nestlé and PepsiCo aim to complete the transition by 2027, according to a recent report by Yahoo News.
While the shift has been welcomed by health advocates, experts caution that natural dyes are not inherently safer. Some lack extensive toxicological data, and scaling production may prove difficult. Studies have also linked certain natural additives, including beta-carotene and carmine, to health risks ranging from allergies to increased disease rates. Regulators maintain that all additives, natural or synthetic, must meet the same safety standards before approval.