US Ice Cream Makers to Phase Out Synthetic Dyes Under Pressure from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

(Patria) - Major US ice cream manufacturers announced plans on Monday to gradually phase out the use of artificial colors following pressure from Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove unnecessary additives from the American diet, AFP reported.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over forty leading ice cream brands, stated that its members will stop using synthetic dyes derived from petroleum by the end of 2027.

These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and genomic disorders, and have no nutritional or functional purpose other than cosmetic coloring, according to health advocates.

"I am especially happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press conference, praising the industry for its actions.

"This is a big day for dairy and a big day for the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative," added IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, referring to Kennedy's MAHA slogan, a play on President Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again" or MAGA.

Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said that many commercial ice cream manufacturers
have already phased out artificial colors or are in the process of doing so.

"By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change and the nation's regulatory priorities evolve."

Industry data shows that Americans consume approximately 8.6 kg of ice cream annually.

This frozen treat contributes an estimated twelve billion dollars to the economy and
supports over 27,000 jobs in the dairy industry.

In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke approvals for two synthetic dyes and to "work with the industry" to eliminate six more – an approach critics dismissed as too mild and too reliant on voluntary action.

Pressure on the Industry

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in one of its latest acts under President Joe Biden finalized a rule that effectively bans Red Dye No. 3, one of the most commonly used and controversial colors.

Nevertheless, there are signs that Kennedy's strategy of pressuring the industry is yielding some results. Major food manufacturers, including Nestle, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo, have already signed an agreement to phase out artificial colors.

Kennedy stated that between "35 and 40 percent" of the food industry has now committed to change, but it was significant that the ice cream makers' promise exceeds the health minister's initial goal of the end of 2026, giving companies an additional year to adjust their supply chains.

However, key holdouts remain, for example, Mars, the maker of M&M's and Skittles, and its
subsidiary Kellogg's, whose Froot Loops still use Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 in the United States, even though the same cereal is available without artificial colors in places like Canada.
At the same time, Trump's FDA is rapidly approving natural color-based alternatives, adding blue gardenia (genipin) to the list on Monday, the fourth such approval in two months.