With the U.S. banning synthetic food dyes over child health risks, pressure grows on Health Canada to respond

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The Trump administration is making headlines again, this time for targeting synthetic food dyes in American products.

Under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime health activist and now the controversial U.S. secretary of health and human services, U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to phase out several petroleum-based dyes, including Red Dye No. 40, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, citing links to cancer and behavioural issues in children. Some dyes are expected to be pulled from shelves within months, while Red Dye No. 40 is set to disappear by the end of next year.

These dyes are commonly found in foods like candy, fruit-flavoured drinks, cereals and snack products—items especially popular with children. Though used in small amounts, they’ve been a staple in North American processed foods since the 1970s.

The U.S. policy shift builds on action by the Biden administration earlier this year, when the Food and Drug Administration moved to revoke authorization for Red Dye No. 3.

What is Red Dye No. 40?

Red Dye No. 40 is a synthetic food colouring made from petroleum. It’s used to give a bright red hue to candies, cereals, drinks and snack foods.

Though approved by Health Canada, it has been linked to possible behavioural effects in children and........

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