President Donald Trump’s administration and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have focused on the threat of artificial food dyes, promoting natural alternatives instead. However, confusion remains regarding the administration’s next steps.

When Kennedy announced an artificial food dye ban in late April, it was difficult to determine its precise nature, with news outlets offering different takes on the executive action. News outlets calling the move a “ban” included BBC, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and USA Today. ABC, NPR, and the Washington Post described it as a “phase-out” of artificial dyes.