US Food Industry’s Move to Eliminate Artificial Dyes

Nearly 35% of the food industry in the United States has pledged to phase out artificial dyes from their products, according to Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who spoke at a recent press conference.

Kennedy was referencing an announcement from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), specifically highlighting a commitment from US ice cream manufacturers to eliminate artificial colors from their offerings.

These ice cream makers are collaborating to remove artificial dyes like Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from ice cream and frozen dairy desserts by 2028.

Kennedy expressed his satisfaction with this initiative, indicating that it reflects a positive trend within the industry.

“I’m particularly excited to see this today related to my favorite food, ice cream,” he remarked.

He added, “We started discussing the removal of dyes and other harmful chemicals from food about five and a half months ago, and it’s remarkable to witness such a strong industry response.”

Kennedy continued, mentioning that approximately 35% of the food producers involved in this initiative represent a significant portion of the already organic and healthier food sector.

Moreover, Trump’s Cabinet is actively encouraging food industry members to take this initiative seriously. FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry and Kennedy have urged businesses to stop using synthetic dyes, particularly during the second Trump administration, as part of efforts to eliminate oil-based food dyes from the American food supply.

Since then, several major brands, including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé, Conagra Brands Inc., Smucker’s, and Hershey, have made announcements to support these efforts.