The demand for natural food colors is surging as U.S. health officials, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., advocate for the elimination of artificial dyes. These synthetic colors, often derived from petroleum, are being scrutinized for potential risks to children's health. Companies like Sensient Technologies are actively working to develop natural alternatives that can replace synthetic dyes used in popular foods, including salad dressings and cereals. The movement is not just governmental; consumer pressure fueled by social media has also intensified the call for cleaner, safer food products.
On an April afternoon, the scientist hovered over tiny dishes of red dye, each a slightly different ruby hue. Her task? To match the synthetic shade used for years in a commercial bottled raspberry vinaigrette but by using only natural ingredients.
Most of our customers have decided that this is finally the time when they're going to make that switch to a natural color, said Dave Gebhardt, Sensient's senior technical director.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called [artificial dyes] poisonous compounds that endanger children's health and development, citing limited evidence of potential health risks.
The federal push follows a flurry of state laws and a January decision to ban the artificial dye known as Red 3 found in cakes, candies and some medications because of cancer risks in lab animals.
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