Beloved Minnesota Foods At Risk If Artificial Dyes Are Banned

The color in our food has always been a hot topic, and many artificial dyes have been banned in America over the years. But if a current proposal goes through, all artificial dyes could soon be banned.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that the FDA will give food makers two years to come up with alternatives for petroleum-based synthetic dyes.

READ MORE: You Won’t Believe What Minnesotans Want For Their Final Meal

A Federal Move to End Synthetic Dyes

This ban could dramatically change how food is presented in the U.S. Gone would be the bright colors in candies and cereals, and beverages will likely look much different in the coming years.

The food industry has been fighting against this ban for years. Unsurprisingly, it mostly comes down to profits. Artificial dyes are cheaper than their natural counterparts and much brighter, which boosts visual appeal and helps drive sales.

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Artificial dyes also tend to have a longer shelf life and mix more easily with other ingredients, making product appearance more consistent from batch to batch.

Minnesota's Food Makers Could Be Hit Hard

Minnesota is home to one of the largest cereal companies in the world, General Mills, and several other major food producers. These companies could be directly affected by the new dye restrictions.