And last week he declared war on artificial food dyes, calling them “poisonous compounds,” and explaining at a press conference that health officials are urging foodmakers to phase out the petroleum-based colorings,

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated that the agency has several actions planned to phase out the use of synthetic dyes in the future. It will work with companies to voluntarily eliminate six commonly used dyes by the end of next year: 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.