RFK Jr. plans to ban eight artificial food dyes by 2026
By the end of 2026, eight artificial dyes will be banned from drug therapy and the national food supply. said Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The California fast food staple announced several changes to its menu items, removing the food dye red 40, especially from pink lemonade.
In a Facebook post, the burger chain said it had replaced the red dye 40 with beta-carotene and vegetable juice in strawberry shakes and “signature pink lemonade.”
The company confirmed changes to the statement provided to USA Today on May 15th.
“We strive to have the best in all areas and be the best. It has been my family’s priority since 1948 and my priorities today,” Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of IN-N-Out Burger, said in a statement.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Food and Drug Administration announced their “mutual understanding” with the food industry in April. In-N-Out did not refer to the so-called agreement in its statement.
The company also said ketchup is moving to sugar using high fructose corn syrup and is studying oil options for fries.
What changes did you make to in-n-out?
This is not the first time IN-N-Out has made changes to its products over the years. Previous changes mentioned in Facebook posts include:
- In 2018, replace the yellow dye 5 with pickles, chili peppers and spread turmeric
- Replace artificial flavors with natural flavors of vanilla shake mix, chocolate syrup and hot cocoa from 2017-2019
- Shake mix, strawberry syrup, spread, 2017-2019 “Signature Pink Lemonade” high fructose corn syrup with natural sugar
- Replace calcium propionate with natural enzymes in bread to remove cotton oil in 2018 and 2024
The company operates 420 locations in eight states.
What is the danger of Red Dye 40?
The Cleveland Clinic points out that the effects of red dye 40 require further research, but some studies link artificial food dyes, such as red dye 40, to hyperactivity, including ADHD.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, side effects related to food dye consumption include:
- Hyperactivity including ADHD
- Changes in behavior, like irritability and depression
- Allergic reactions
- Hives and asthma
- sneeze
- Watery eyes
- Skin irritation
- Migraine
However, red dyes are usually used in conjunction with other food additives that can lead to symptoms, so the exact cause of certain side effects is unknown, says Cleveland Clinic.
