HHS Corner: HHS and FDA Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in the Nation’s Food Supply!
In a move that can only be defined by one word - unprecedented - the FDA today announced that the United States will require the food industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the food system. In a groundbreaking press conference (covered LIVE on MAHA Action Social Channels!) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Battacharya discussed in detail the harms that dyes like FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2 have caused to the health of American children and their families.
Food activist Vani Hari made an impassioned statement about what this decision will mean for her children and children across the country. The plan to implement this phase-out doesn’t just create requirements, it provides solutions and collaboration with the food industry. It also engages the NIH to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
This was a major point of discussion for the past several years, as more and more Americans have opened their eyes to what they are eating, and the MAHA message has taken a foothold in homes everywhere. Here are the details of the plan:
The FDA is taking the following actions:
- Establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural alternatives.
- Initiating the process to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—within the coming months.
- Working with industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes—FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2—from the food supply by the end of next year.
- Authorizing four new natural color additives in the coming weeks, while also accelerating the review and approval of others.
- Partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact children’s health and development.
- Requesting food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously required.
“For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “These poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children’s health and development. That era is coming to an end. We’re restoring gold-standard science, applying common sense, and beginning to earn back the public’s trust. And we’re doing it by working with industry to get these toxic dyes out of the foods our families eat every day.”
The FDA is fast-tracking the review of calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and other natural alternatives to synthetic food dyes. The agency is also taking steps to issue guidance and provide regulatory flexibilities to industries.
“Today, the FDA is asking food companies to substitute petrochemical dyes with natural ingredients for American children as they already do in Europe and Canada,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH. “We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children.”
Make sure you don’t miss MAHA’s Instagram and X feeds for highlights and to catch up on everything happening in the world on MAHA!
Autism Parents Need Our Support
This week was a roller coaster of emotions for many in the Autism community. At a news briefing, Secretary Kennedy discussed new data from the CDC, which shows that 1 in 31 children is affected by autism. He said, “The autism epidemic is running rampant,” said U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “One in 31 American children born in 2014 are disabled by autism. That’s up significantly from two years earlier and nearly five times higher than when the CDC first started running autism surveys in children born in 1992, opens in a new tab. Prevalence for boys is an astounding 1 in 20, and in California, it’s 1 in 12.5.”
“President Trump has tasked me with identifying the root causes of the childhood chronic disease epidemic -- including autism,” Secretary Kennedy continued. “We are assembling teams of world-class scientists to focus research on the origins of the epidemic, and we expect to begin to have answers by September.”
Unfortunately, some have weaponized comments made during the press conference and used them to delegitimize the very real experience of families who have children with autism. Severe autism is a reality. While there are many high-functioning autistic individuals - for this we are grateful - there are also approximately 25% of the Autism community who are non-verbal, and unable to care for themselves. There is a large community of Level 2, 3, Profound, and Intellectually disabled kids, adults, and parents who absolutely demand reform and research and deserve our support and advocacy.
Powerful words from @JennyMcCarthy .
— MAHA Action (@MAHAAction) April 21, 2025
As someone who knows Secretary Kennedy personally, who has heard his words and his heart, she offered thoughtful context to what was said.
His words were not rooted in malice or judgment, but in the grief of possibility.
Her ask is simple,… pic.twitter.com/XRq2i5En5W
We should all be hopeful that we will finally begin to reach a root cause for the Autism epidemic and that we will be able to discover new treatments and solutions for those living with Autism. Our hearts go out to all affected, and we want to assure you that MAHA will continue to be a steadfast ally as we search for the root cause and treatment. Rather than continue to discuss this from our perspective at MAHA, we chose to showcase and highlight the lives of parents and children living with severe autism for this newsletter. Please see these videos below.
This is my brother Erik. He’s 31, has autism and Down syndrome, and lives in a group home. He is nonverbal and will never pay taxes. I personally would like to know what causes autism and why autism rates have been increasing. This should not make you mad. pic.twitter.com/kd36Ax1r84
— Owen Nurminen (@owennurminen) April 18, 2025
https://x.com/wakeupwithlinda/status/1914145771240263957
https://x.com/wakeupwithlinda/status/1913004264211063052
A message from mothers to every mother.@SecKennedy has launched a bold, nationwide initiative to uncover the cause of autism.
— The HighWire (@HighWireTalk) April 18, 2025
These mothers share what happened to their children—and why this mission matters now more than ever.
Do you believe they have a right to know what… pic.twitter.com/tjnh9R4C4f
There are many, many more. Please see our social media.
MAHA Bills to Watch:
Here are some bills we want you to watch and get engaged with! MAHA needs you to step up in your state and fight right alongside us:
California -
AB1264: VERDICT: MAHA SUPPORTS
This bill aims to reduce the consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in California schools by establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. The bill defines ultraprocessed food as food containing specific substances not typically found in traditional food preparation, such as artificial additives, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is required to develop regulations by July 1, 2026, to identify "particularly harmful ultraprocessed foods" based on scientific evidence of health risks, including potential links to cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. Schools must begin phasing out these particularly harmful UPFs by January 1, 2028, with a complete ban on vendors selling such foods in schools starting January 1, 2032. Beginning February 1, 2027, food vendors must annually report detailed information about their food products sold to schools, including nutritional content, ultraprocessed food classification, and total quantity sold. The OEHHA must then submit annual reports to the Legislature analyzing this data, providing recommendations for reducing UPF consumption, and outlining strategies to promote healthier food options in schools. The bill's ultimate goal is to encourage schools to provide healthier meal options and reduce children's exposure to potentially harmful processed foods.
The MAHA “Why?” - - We support this bill as it promotes healthier food options in California schools by targeting ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) and reducing their availability to students. By requiring the identification of particularly harmful UPFs and setting a clear timeline for phasing them out, the bill takes a proactive approach to improving student nutrition and mitigating the long-term health risks associated with these foods. The mandated reporting and annual analysis will ensure transparency, allowing for data-driven decisions to further reduce harmful food options and promote healthier alternatives. This legislation represents an important step in fostering a healthier environment for California’s students and prioritizing their well-being.
Pennsylvania
SB117: VERDICT: MAHA SUPPORTS
This bill proposes to amend the Pharmacy Act in Pennsylvania to allow ivermectin, a medication traditionally used to treat parasitic infections, to be sold and purchased over-the-counter without requiring a prescription or consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill defines "over-the-counter medication" as medication that can be legally sold and purchased without a prescription. By adding Section 9.6 to the existing Pharmacy Act, the legislation would enable individuals to buy ivermectin directly from pharmacies or stores without first obtaining approval from a medical provider. The bill would take effect 60 days after its enactment, potentially expanding access to the medication for consumers in Pennsylvania. While the bill does not specify the specific use of ivermectin, it has gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential treatment. However, its efficacy for this purpose remains scientifically controversial.
The MAHA “Why?” - MAHA Action supports this bill to make ivermectin available over-the-counter in Pennsylvania. This aligns with our commitment to medical freedom, personal choice, and access to various treatment options. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health without unnecessary barriers. We believe that providing more options for consumers to manage their health aligns with the principles of informed consent and autonomy.
Texas
SB2653: VERDICT: MAHA SUPPORTS
This bill proposes to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water supplies in Texas by creating a new section in the Texas Health and Safety Code. Specifically, the bill defines fluoride as any chemical compound containing the fluoride ion, and defines a public water supply as a water system serving at least 15 connections or 25 people for 60 days or more per year. The legislation would make it illegal for any person to deliberately add fluoride to public water supplies for the purpose of water fluoridation, regardless of the intended concentration. The bill explicitly excludes naturally occurring fluoride in water sources and fluoride used in industrial or manufacturing processes. Violations would result in a fine of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations, with enforcement to be carried out by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025. It represents a significant policy change regarding water treatment practices in Texas, potentially impacting public health strategies related to dental care and water quality.
The MAHA “Why?” - MAHA Action supports fluoride-free water legislation because it upholds our commitment to medical freedom, informed consent, and public health transparency. We firmly believe that individuals should have the right to make informed choices about the substances they consume, and water fluoridation, as a form of mass medication, denies people the ability to provide personal consent. Given the potential risks to brain development, thyroid function, and bone health, we believe the evidence warrants a more cautious approach. Our support for this legislation reflects our dedication to empowering individuals to make decisions about their health and ensuring transparency in public health practices.
Community and Camaraderie!
Changing Life and Destiny 2025
April 25th-27th in Plano, TX
MAHA will have a booth at this event, and Del Bigtree will speak!
Feed The Recovering Brain Summit 2025: Exposing the Fatal Flaws in Addiction Treatment
April 30th - May 2nd, in Dublin, OH
The Feed The Recovering Brain Summit 2025 is ripping the lid off conventional addiction treatment. For three days, we’ll expose the limitations of the current approach, reveal the research, and explore a radical yet scientifically backed truth: food, amino acids, and targeted nutrients can rebuild the addicted brain and dramatically cut relapse rates.
This isn’t just another conference—it’s a battle cry. The Feed The Recovering Brain Summit 2025: Powerful Nutritional Strategies for Effective Addiction Treatment & Sustained Recovery brings together leading experts in nutritional neuroscience, addiction recovery, and holistic healing, all pushing back against the status quo. These professionals will dismantle myths, challenge pharmaceutical dominance, and reveal cutting-edge solutions that rehab centers don’t talk about.
May 3, 2025
Join us on May 3, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, for the MAHA Spring Gala, an evening dedicated to the continued advancement of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
This special gathering will be a unique opportunity for guests to share their ideas on how to shape and elevate the MAHA movement. It will feature speeches from Del Bigtree, Sayer Ji, Vani Hari, Calley Means, and more.
Guests will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with music, organic food, and expertly crafted cocktails - a celebration of our community’s achievements and a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and hear remarks from key figures deeply engaged in the movement.
For attendance inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Autism Action Center
May 14th in Albany, NY
Please join Mary Holland, Naomi Wolff, Shannon Joy, Bobbie Ann Cox, Sujata Gibson, John Gilmore, Michael Kane, and many more speakers for a day of lobbying, rallying, education, and solidarity to restore and reclaim our exemptions, our rights and our jobs in New York State. The time is now to call and make your appointments with your state senator and assembly member for May 14th.
Use our legislative tracker to find your representatives in Albany.
New! Nutritious and Tasty!
We are so excited to introduce a new weekly feature! Each week, you will find a different recipe from MAHA Healthy Foods Task Force member Cherie Calborn.
Cherie Calbom, MS, has a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition. She has authored 35 books, including her best-seller, Juicing for Life. You can visit her website here.
For our first week:
MAHA Chocolate Pudding
2 avocados
1/2 cup organic cacao or cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. stevia
Pinch sea salt
1/2 cup fresh raspberries for topping, as desired
Instructions
- In your food processor or blender, add all ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Spoon into dessert cups and chill. Top with fresh raspberries, as desired.
Nutrition Tips
Avocados have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which the body can convert to EPA and DHA. They are also a good source of vitamin E.
Cacao and cocoa are good sources of antioxidants, especially flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory and promote heart health.
They also offer mood-enhancing phenylethylamine, tryptophan, and theobromine that increase neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, a fat that is easy to digest and burn for fuel, potentially promoting weight loss.
Raspberries promote eye health because they are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. They are also a low-sugar fruit, making them a good choice for diabetics.
Stevia is a plant-based natural sweetener with a zero glycemic index. This is a good choice for diabetics.
🚨 THE MAHA PODCAST:
🚨 THE MAHA PODCAST: EXILED FOR SPEAKING TRUTH
This Isn’t Just a Conversation—It’s a Warning
Tyranny doesn’t begin with violence. It begins by erasing the truth.
In this powerful new episode of The MAHA Podcast, Del Bigtree interviews German Member of Parliament Christine Anderson on the creeping authoritarianism in Europe—and how the playbook is now repeating itself around the world.
"They’re not afraid FOR democracy. They’re afraid OF democracy."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUJEwnOD-9A&t=3s
🚨 Anderson issues a warning rooted in history, personal family trauma, and lived experience under socialism:
➜ How COVID laws revived totalitarian tactics from Germany’s darkest era
➜ Why telling the truth about biology and history is now a punishable offense
➜ The new global censorship alliance—and what it means for 2024 and beyond
➜ How her father survived a Soviet labor camp for daring to speak freely
➜ Why silence is complicity—and how resistance still begins with one voice
Think it can’t happen here? So did millions. Make sure to check out the latest podcast by clicking here and watching/listening on your favorite platform.
Thanks for reading this edition of Well Sourced - your place for everything MAHA!
