In-N-Out is removing Red Dye 40 from these menu items

In-N-Out is removing Red Dye 40 from these menu items
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RFK Jr. unveils plan to ban eight artificial food dyes by 2026
Eight artificial dyes will be banned from medications and the nation's food supply by the end of 2026, Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said.
California fast food staple In-N-Out announced changes to some of its menu items, notably removing the food dye Red 40 from its pink lemonade.
The burger chain said in a Facebook post that it has replaced Red Dye 40 with beta carotene and vegetable juice in its strawberry shakes and "Signature Pink Lemonade."
The company confirmed the changes in a statement provided to USA TODAY May 15.
"We strive to have the best and be the best in all areas. It's been my family's priority since 1948, and it remains my priority to this very day," Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of In-N-Out Burger, said in the statement.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Food and Drug Administration announced a "mutual understanding" with the food industry in April that says eight food dyes, including Red Dye 40, will be progressively removed. In-N-Out did not reference the so-called agreement in its statement.
The company also said it is transitioning its ketchup from using high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar and is researching oil options for its fries.
What changes has In-N-Out made?
This is not the first time In-N-Out has made changes to its products over the years. Previous changes noted in the Facebook post include:
Replacing Yellow Dye 5 with Turmeric in pickles, chilies, and spreads in 2018
Replacing artificial flavorings with natural flavoring in the vanilla shake mix, chocolate syrup and hot cocoa from 2017-2019
Replacing high fructose corn syrup with natural sugar in the shake mix, strawberry syrup, spread and "Signature Pink Lemonade" from 2017-2019
Replacing calcium propionate with natural enzymes in the buns and removing cottonseed oil in 2018 and 2024
The company operates 420 locations across eight states.
What are the dangers of Red Dye 40?
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the effects of Red Dye 40 are require further research, though some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD.
The Cleveland Clinic says that some side effects associated with consuming the food dye include:
Hyperactivity, including ADHD
Behavioral changes like irritability and depression
Allergic reaction
Hives and asthma
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Skin irritation
Migraines
However, the exact cause of certain side effects is unclear, as red dye is typically used in conjunction with other food additives that may also lead to symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic says.

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