WASHINGTON, D.C.: This week, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said they plan to remove artificial (man-made) food dyes from the U.S. food supply.

The FDA will ban some dyes and ask companies to stop using others voluntarily.

They said there may be a connection between these dyes and health issues like ADHD, obesity, and diabetes, especially in children. However, many scientists believe more research is needed to prove this.

Makary referred to a study from The Lancet, a respected medical journal. A 2007 study from that journal did find a link between food dyes and hyperactivity in kids, but it's unclear what newer studies he was referring to.

At a press conference, Kennedy's supporters and lawmakers from states working on food dye laws said more changes are coming to improve food safety.

Kennedy said removing food additives could help fight long-term health problems in children, even though he didn't provide proof. He also mentioned issues like ADHD and food allergies.

Makary said the FDA will soon revoke approval for two dyes and will work with companies to eliminate six more by the end of next year.

The FDA also plans to approve four new natural dyes soon and speed up the process for others.

While Kennedy and others said food dyes are harmful, scientists say there isn't enough solid proof yet. Emily Acri, a dietitian from Yale, said the science is still too limited to make big claims.

Makary said switching from artificial to natural dyes, like beet juice, carrot juice, or watermelon juice, shouldn't raise food prices.

The FDA will also work with the National Institutes of Health to study how food additives affect children's health and development.

Makary said using artificial dyes over the past 50 years has been like a giant experiment on kids without their consent. Removing dyes won't fix everything right away, he said, but it's an important step.

Kennedy added that the Health and Human Services Department has reached an agreement with food companies to remove artificial dyes. Makary hopes companies will make changes on their own, but the FDA is ready to act if needed.

In March, the Consumer Brands Association (CBA)—which includes companies like PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz—sent Kennedy a plan. It said companies would start making new products without artificial dyes and begin removing dyes from existing ones.

By the end of this year, companies will also offer dye-free products to schools.

The CBA and the National Confectioners Association (which represents candy makers) said their ingredients are safe.

W.K. Kellogg said it met with Kennedy and is changing its school cereals to remove artificial dyes. It also said it won't launch any new products with artificial dyes starting next year.