By the end of 2026, eight artificial dyes will be removed from both medications and the U.S. food supply, including those used in products like candy, ice cream, soft drinks, and jams, according to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Announced during an April 22 news conference in Washington, D.C., the dyes—used to restore or enhance color in processed foods—are being phased out as part of broader health reforms. Kennedy, long critical of the food and pharmaceutical industries, has linked artificial additives to the nation’s chronic illness rates, a message he emphasized during his 2024 presidential run and now continues as part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
In March, Kennedy met privately with major food companies including PepsiCo, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and Kellogg’s, urging them to eliminate artificial dyes within two years.
The FDA had already planned to ban Red Dye No. 3 by early 2027 under the previous administration.
The Consumer Brands Association has since labeled the removal of certain dyes as a top priority, echoing Kennedy’s push for swift action.
Food activist and blogger Vani Hari, a longtime advocate for ingredient transparency, praised the move as a major victory. “I never thought I’d see the day when the FDA actually did this,” she said, adding that her faith in government leadership has been renewed.
