Bill · H.R. 5027· House(119-HR-5027)
Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act
- Introduced
- 8/22/2025
- Last activity
- 8/22/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Grace Meng
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act," aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Beginning on January 1st, 2027, it would classify specific color additives as unsafe for use in food. Any food containing these additives would then be deemed adulterated. The bill targets several specific color additives, including various Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green numbers, as well as Orange B, Citrus Red 2, and Titanium Dioxide. It also covers any additives 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 banning specific food dyes deemed unsafe.
Would children be better off under this?+4
Banning harmful food dyes can reduce exposure risks for children who consume many processed foods.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+2
The ban may improve the nutritional safety of affordable processed food products.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Safety of Food Products: By deeming specific color additives unsafe, the bill aims to change the legal status of food containing these substances from permitted to adulterated (Section 2(a)).
-
Restriction of Specific Additives: The bill identifies a specific list of covered color additives to be restricted, such as Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1 (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Changes to Food Standards: Starting January 1st, 2027, any food that bears or contains the listed color additives will be considered adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 2(a)).
-
Broad Scope of Additives: The restriction applies not only to the specific colors listed but also to any additive that is substantially similar to the ones mentioned in the bill (Section 2(b)).
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 People With Disabilities+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- 5/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/22/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine