Bill · H.R. 4858· House(119-HR-4858)
Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act
- Introduced
- 8/1/2025
- Last activity
- 8/1/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Grace Meng
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act," seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Starting January 1st, 2027, specific color additives will be deemed unsafe for use in or on food. Any food containing these "covered color additives" will be considered adulterated. The covered additives include various Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Orange dyes, as well as Titanium Dioxide. This also applies to any additive substantially similar to those listed.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The bill enhances consumer protection by deeming specific color additives unsafe for use in food.
Would children be better off under this?+4
Removing food dyes may benefit children's health by reducing exposure to potentially harmful additives.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
Reducing exposure to unsafe additives provides a public health benefit to all income levels.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Safety Classification: The bill deems certain color additives unsafe for use in or on food (Section 2(a)(1)). This could benefit people by removing specific additives from the food supply.
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Food Quality Control: Any food containing the specified additives will be deemed adulterated (Section 2(a)(2)). This provides a mechanism to treat food containing these substances as adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Regulatory Changes for Specific Additives: The bill targets several specific color additives, such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, among others (Section 2(b)). This change impacts any food products that currently bear or contain these specific colors.
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Broad Scope of Additives: The bill includes any additive that is substantially similar to the listed items (Section 2(b)(12)). This means the impact extends beyond just the specific chemicals named.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+4Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Women+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 8/1/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House