US companies slow to cut artificial dyes in food

Food makers cite cost and ingredient scarcity for slow dye removal, and General Mills faced backlash after removing artificial dyes from cereals, writes Jessica DiNapoli from New York

- Jessica DiNapoli

Breakfast cereal for sale at a Ralphs grocery store in Del Mar, California.

(PHOTOS BY REUTERS)

When Robert Kennedy Jr became US health secretary last February, he pushed companies to ditch artificial dyes, a critical issue for supporters in the “Make America Healthy Again” social movement backing him.

Nearly a year later, artificial dyes are still prevalent across grocery store aisles, lending vibrant colours to products ranging from salad dressing to breakfast cereals and beverages.

Some companies have responded to Mr Kennedy’s request by reformulating products now and promising to ditch the dyes fully over time. Compliance is voluntary on the federal level, though companies are now facing new and proposed state laws on the issue, adding to the pressure.

A Reuters review of 15 of the US's biggest food makers found that two soup maker The Campbell’s Co and Switzerland-based Nestle have pledged to remove artificial dyes before the end of 2026, the initial timeline proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services, led by Mr Kennedy.

Seven, including Jell-O marketer Kraft Heinz and Conagra Brands, have committed to eliminating them by the end of 2027. Six, including Oreo-maker Mondelez and Coca-Cola, have not made any promises, but some are introducing dye-free options or said they're working on it, without providing a deadline for the switch.

"Nearly 40% of the entire packaged US food and beverage supply has publicly committed to removing artificial dyes in the near term,” a spokesperson for the health department said. The spokesperson added that the department asked and the industry largely agreed to phase the dyes out of school foods by the next school year, and all foods starting in 2027.