ARLINGTON, Va. —  Consumer Brands Association released the following statement from Melissa Hockstad, president and CEO, on HHS’ and FDA’s intent to remove food dyes from the food supply:

“The ingredients used in America’s food supply have been rigorously studied following an objective science and risk-based evaluation process and have been demonstrated to be safe. Removing these safe ingredients does not change the consumer packaged goods industry’s commitment to providing safe, affordable and convenient product choices to consumers. As we increase the use of alternative ingredients, food and beverage companies will not sacrifice science or the safety of our products. Earlier this year, we urged HHS and FDA to follow the same rigor and we encourage the administration to prioritize research that is objective, peer reviewed and relevant to human health and safety. Consumer Brands has long asked HHS and FDA to reestablish themselves as the country’s leading regulatory authority and we appreciate that  the administration has reasserted their leadership in response to the myriad of state activity in the food regulation space. A state patchwork of differing laws creates confusion for consumers, limits access to everyday goods, deters innovation, and increases costs at the grocery store.”