Candy manufacturer counters RFK Jr.'s efforts to prohibit synthetic food coloring in products
In a significant shift towards healthier food options, several major food manufacturers have pledged to phase out synthetic food dyes from their products. As part of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) initiative, companies such as Kraft Heinz, General Mills, JM Smucker, Nestlé USA, and Conagra have committed to removing these dyes, aligning with the FDA's plan to eliminate them by the end of 2026 or 2027.
However, two prominent players in the industry, Mars and PepsiCo, have yet to make formal commitments or announce clear timelines for the phase-out of synthetic dyes. While Mars continues to maintain that its products are safe and meet food safety authority standards, the Department of Health and Human Services has expressed disappointment that Mars will prioritize removing synthetic dyes in Europe but not in the United States.
Mars is reportedly exploring alternatives to synthetic food dyes, but has not identified fully effective solutions yet. The company believes it is premature to make commitments until they can be fulfilled. PepsiCo, on the other hand, has announced its intention to remove artificial ingredients from popular food items by the end of 2025.
The FDA's initiative targets the removal of common synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, by encouraging the food industry to transition from petrochemical-based dyes to natural colorants. The FDA is also accelerating approval of new natural color additives and urging companies to expedite removal timelines.
The push for the phase-out of synthetic dyes has been spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been advocating for their removal due to links to numerous adverse health effects, especially for children. Kennedy is committed to encouraging the removal of artificial dyes from the food supply.
The National Confectioners Association, represented by Christopher Gindlesperger, has criticized Kennedy's campaign against synthetic food dyes in candy. Gindlesperger agrees with the Trump administration that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in the national food safety system.
Meanwhile, Starbucks has announced it will further align its menu with Kennedy's 'MAHA' initiative, and Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel is discussing Kennedy's efforts to eliminate synthetic food dyes from products.
Despite the progress made by many companies, the phase-out of synthetic dyes remains a contentious issue, with some companies moving faster than others. As consumer demand for healthier food options continues to grow, the pressure is on for Mars and PepsiCo to follow suit and announce their own phase-out plans in the near future.
| **Company** | **Status on Synthetic Dye Phase-out** | **Timeline** | |-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Kraft Heinz | Committed to removing synthetic dyes from all U.S. products, especially beverages and desserts | By end of 2027 | | General Mills | Removing synthetic dyes from cereals and school foods by 2026, full retail portfolio by 2027 | 2026-2027 | | JM Smucker | Pledged full phase-out of synthetic dyes from U.S. lines | By end of 2027 | | Nestlé USA | Pledged full phase-out of synthetic dyes from U.S. lines | By end of 2027 | | Conagra | Pledged full phase-out of synthetic dyes from U.S. lines | By end of 2027 | | **MARS** | No recent public announcement on synthetic dye phase-out | No confirmed timeline | | **PepsiCo** | No recent public announcement on synthetic dye phase-out | No confirmed timeline |
[1] FDA News Release, "FDA Announces Plan to Eliminate Artificial Food Dyes," July 2025. [2] General Mills Press Release, "General Mills Commits to Eliminating Artificial Colors," July 2025. [3] Kraft Heinz Press Release, "Kraft Heinz Announces Commitment to Eliminate Artificial Colors," July 2025. [4] Nestlé USA Press Release, "Nestlé USA Pledges to Eliminate Artificial Colors from U.S. Lines," July 2025. [5] Conagra Press Release, "Conagra Brands Pledges to Eliminate Artificial Colors from U.S. Lines," July 2025.
- Mars' health-and-wellness portfolio may see significant changes as the company continues to explore alternatives to synthetic food dyes, following consumer demand for more natural food products.
- PepsiCo's lifestyle division is anticipated to undergo a transition by the end of 2025, as the company has announced its intention to remove artificial ingredients, including synthetic food dyes, from popular food items.
