FDA Encourages Use of Natural Food Colors for Healthier Children's Meals.

U.S. health officials want food companies to stop using petroleum-based colors. They want this to happen by the end of 2026. The FDA hopes food companies will do this on their own.

Marty Makary from the FDA said they want companies to use natural colors. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he talked to food companies. But they do not have any official promises from them yet.

The FDA will make a plan for companies to switch to natural colors. They will also remove colors that are not being used anymore. The FDA wants food companies to use natural ingredients like they do in Europe and Canada.

Some people are worried about artificial dyes in food. They think these dyes might cause problems with kids' behavior. The FDA says the dyes are safe, but some studies show they might not be.

Some groups that make food say the dyes are safe. They want to talk to the FDA to keep using them. Some states are making their own rules about artificial colors in food, it will take time to remove all the dyes.