The FDA and RFK Jr. Suggest Using Smart Tech as an Immediate Solution to Identifying Petroleum-based Dyes
Apr 22, 2025
April 22 — In a press conference today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to remove all petroleum-based dyes from the U.S. food supply — but the process will take several years.
For everyday shoppers, there’s a faster solution. The WISEcode™ app helps consumers instantly identify artificial dyes in food. With over 650,000 products and thousands of ingredients tracked across the U.S. food supply — including artificial colors — WISEcode makes it simple to spot petroleum-based dyes in seconds. Policies take time. We shouldn’t have to wait.
The FDA’s current plan is to work with food manufacturers to phase out the six remaining petroleum-derived dyes (Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2) from the food supply by the end of 2026. They’re also urging companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 even sooner, ahead of the broader 2027–2028 deadline.
It has taken more than 35 years since the initial 1990 studies linked Red Dye No. 3 to potential harm for it to be banned in food. While it was removed from cosmetics back then, it remained in foods until now — with a final enforcement date of January 16, 2025. Even so, products containing Red Dye No. 3 may still remain on shelves for some time.
That’s why Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is encouraging health-conscious shoppers to turn to smart technology to help identify and avoid synthetic dyes now — without waiting for slow-moving policy changes.
Identify artificial colors in seconds by simply scanning a food barcode. Download the WISEcode™ app today!