The Make America Healthy (Maha) initiative is making waves in the food industry, with the Trump White House highlighting over two dozen significant corporations that are taking steps to enhance Americans’ health.
“Make America healthy again! The Trump administration promotes Maha. Numerous ice cream brands are phasing out artificial colors to improve food supply at major companies!” This was part of the administration’s announcement, which featured 15 companies heading towards Maha’s goals.
Steak & Shake led the charge by switching from seed oils to beef fat. In-N-Out Burger is also on board, planning to eliminate Red Dye 40 and Yellow 5, along with artificial flavors.
McCormick is working on removing food dyes and reformulating certain products, while PepsiCo has vowed to cut artificial ingredients from its well-known offerings.
Several other major corporations that are also intending to phase out artificial or synthetic dyes—at least to some extent—include Craft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé, Conagra Brands Inc., Hershey, JM Smucker, among others.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is taking steps to remove artificial food dyes from ice cream as well. This initiative is linked to an agreement among American ice cream producers to eliminate certified artificial colors in ice cream products made with real milk by the end of 2027. The companies involved represent over 90% of the ice cream sold in the U.S., according to an IDFA announcement.
Under this initiative, numerous U.S. ice cream companies are committed to removing artificial colors such as red 40, green 3, and yellow 5 from their ice cream and frozen dairy desserts by 2028.
As policies regarding artificial colors in food evolve at various levels, ice cream makers are adapting by creating healthier options that families enjoy. Many manufacturers have already removed certified artificial colors, with others collaborating with suppliers to ensure a complete phase-out by 2028.
Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, expressed pride in this “voluntary” commitment.
“Americans love ice cream, and the IDFA’s dedication to providing healthy, authentic ice cream made from real milk will keep this special treat in our lives as policies change,” he stated.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, also commended the effort.
“I commend the International Dairy Food Association for its commitment to abolishing certified artificial colors,” he remarked. It has shown that Americans prefer “real food over chemicals.”
“Together with Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins and U.S. Food and Drug Director Dr. Marty McCurry, we’re assuming responsibility for the food industry and advocating for national initiatives to restore health to America,” Kennedy continued.
Kennedy further noted in his comments this week that around 35% of the U.S. food sector is focused on eliminating artificial dyes from its products.
Related – WH: The efforts of Maha to keep children healthy should be encouraging news, regardless of political views.
