Food & Nutrition

HHS and FDA Announce Intent to Remove Food Dyes from U.S. Food Supply

HHS and FDA announced a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026. As part of this effort, FDA will revoke the authorization for citrus red 2 and orange B within the coming months, request food companies to remove red dye 3 sooner than the mandated 2027 deadline, and work with industry to phase out six synthetic colors, including red dye 40, blue dye 1, blue dye 2, yellow dye 5, yellow dye 6, and green dye 3, by the end of 2026. The Department will also authorize four new natural color additives, including calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, and butterfly pea flower extract, in the coming weeks and partner with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on how food additives impact children’s health and development. During the press event, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared several remarks, including that the agency will aim to remove food ingredients and additives that they can legally address “one by one,” as well as create an open-source website containing food additive information. This announcement follows the signing of numerous state laws to restrict certain food additives and dyes sold in the state or in school meals. 

Coinciding with the announcement, USDA released a statement in support of the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) new company commitment to eliminate seven synthetic food dyes from milk, cheese, and yogurt in school meals by the 2026-2027 school year.

Food Safety

USDA FSIS to Withdraw Salmonella Framework Proposed Rule and Determination

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published a notice announcing its withdrawal of the agency’s proposed rule and determination, Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products, published in August 2024. The agency is withdrawing the proposed rule and determination to further assess its approach for addressing Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. USDA FSIS determined that additional consideration is needed in light of the feedback received during the public comment period, which closed on January 17, 2025. Based on the input received from stakeholders, FSIS will evaluate whether it should update the current poultry Salmonella performance standards. 

USDA FSIS to Update Allergen-Related Programs and Documents

USDA’s FSIS intends to update its allergen-related programs and documents in response to FDA’s updated final guidance, Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5). This would include updating the agency’s Allergen Sampling Verification Program and the Ongoing Verification of Product Formulation and Labeling Targeting the Nine Most Common (‘Big 9’) Food Allergens directives to align with FDA’s guidance by removing any references to coconut as a tree nut allergen. These updates are expected to be published in Spring 2025.

Agriculture

Congress Reintroduces Agricultural Resilience Act

Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act which would establish a national goal for the agriculture sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. The bill would direct USDA and other federal agencies to develop an action plan to achieve its goal, including several proposed actions to expand agriculture and specialty crop research, preserve farmland and farm viability, and efforts to prevent food loss and waste. As part of these actions, the bill would establish food date labeling requirements, including that quality dates be labeled with the phrase “BEST If Used By” and discard dates be labeled with the phrase “USE By.” It would also direct USDA to establish animal raising claim standards for the labeling of all meat and poultry products and establish a Food Waste Research Program.

Global

Spain Approves New Regulation to Promote Nutritious School Meal Standards

Spain’s Council of Ministers approved a new regulation that will require schools to comply with updated nutritional standards to limit the consumption of 'unhealthy' foods and beverages beginning in September 2025. The regulation will promote the daily consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, and ‘quality’ meat, while also limiting processed foods, pre-cooked meals, and fried foods. Under the regulations, schools will be required to offer fresh fruits and vegetables daily, at least 45% of which must be seasonal, and serve fish and legumes at least once a week. The decree also promotes ‘healthy and sustainable’ eating and removes sugary drinks, energy drinks, and industrial pastries from vending machines and cafeterias in schools.

Fun Fact: Pears were once referred to as “the gift of the gods” by ancient Greeks.