One Step Forward, Three Steps Back
Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned FD&C Red No. 3 from food products due to evidence that the color causes cancer in rats. Earlier last week, the FDA followed up with an announcement to phase out all remaining synthetic colors from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026. While many food companies are now facing a rush to reformulate, Hive’s products are already ahead of the curve. We never allow artificial colors in our products, opting instead for vibrant, plant-based colors from healthy fruits and vegetables. Still, we’re excited to celebrate a nationwide shift toward natural ingredients.
A Quick Overview on What’s Changing
In step with research linking synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes with neurobehavioral problems in children, the FDA plans to implement the following measures to improve food colorant safety:
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Eliminate six FD&C colors by the end of next year: Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6
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Speed up the removal of Red No. 3 sooner than the original 2027-2028 deadline listed in February’s ban
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Fast-track the approval of four new natural dyes, including butterfly pea flower extract and gardenia blue
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Study the long-term effects of synthetic food additives on children’s health, including links to behavioral issues, metabolic disorders, and chronic disease
Our Take: A Good Step, But Overall Food Safety Is Still At Risk
While we applaud the decision to phase out artificial dyes, the move comes alongside crippling cuts to the FDA that may negatively impact overall food safety. This includes the suspension of food safety checks as well as substantial workforce cuts to the FDA’s Human Foods Program, whose mission is to improve food safety and nutritional quality. A recently released draft budget outlines plans to further slash the FDA’s funding and eliminate the agency’s role in food facility inspections. This will leave food safety oversight up to individual states, making it even more important to seek out food products with safe and reputable ingredients.
No Artificial Ingredients at Hive—Now or Ever
At Hive, we’ve always believed you shouldn’t have to wait for policy to protect your health. While artificial colors will continue to be found in food products until the end of 2026 and federal food safety oversight is on the chopping block, rest assured that Hive’s products will always be made with naturally-derived ingredients that meet high standards for quality, health, and safety.
The Hive Five is Here For You
The whole reason we created our Hive Five Certification was to make it easier for you to know that the foods you're buying are a safer, more sustainable, and all-around better choice. We don't want you to have to spend all day researching whether or not a brand is testing for salmonella, or using any synthetic dyes, so until policy catches back up, rest assured the Hive Five is here for you.
