Trump administration's MAHA initiative making your kitchen healthier
General Mills announced that 85% of its U.S. portfolio is already free of FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act-approved) artificial dyes, with plans to remove the remaining dyes by 2027. Their cereals, including well-known brands like Lucky Charms and Trix, will be reformulated by summer 2026.
Kraft Heinz targets beverages and desserts, including brands like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O, which currently contain artificial dyes. The company also confirmed it will not launch new U.S. products containing these dyes.
PepsiCo aims to remove artificial colors from snack brands such as Lay's and Tostitos by the end of this year.
In-N-Out Burger has replaced artificial colors with natural ingredients like turmeric and beta-carotene in several menu items and is working on healthier ingredient swaps for ketchup and fries.
Why the push? The health risks of artificial dyes
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Provide no nutritional benefit.
Pose measurable risks to children's health and development.
Have been included in foods without consumers' knowledge or consent.
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The Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative is driving a transformation in the U.S. food industry by targeting harmful artificial dyes and chemicals commonly found in popular products. This unprecedented government-industry collaboration has already secured commitments from major food companies to reformulate iconic brands, removing synthetic colors linked to health risks, especially in children.With nearly 70% of American children's calories coming from ultra-processed foods laden with these additives, MAHA aims to reduce chronic diseases like obesity , diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders by making everyday foods safer and more nutritious.As a result, kitchens across the country are poised to become healthier, reflecting a bold new era of food transparency and public health focus.In a landmark push aligned with MAHA's goals, food industry leaders like General Mills and Kraft Heinz have pledged to eliminate all artificial colors from their U.S. product lines by the end of 2027. These commitments follow earlier moves by companies such as PepsiCo , McCormick, and fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger and Steak 'n Shake, which have already begun removing synthetic dyes and replacing them with natural alternatives.Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a key proponent of the MAHA initiative, has been vocal about the dangers of petroleum-based artificial colors. He argues these compounds:The FDA has responded by intensifying its review of food chemicals and announcing plans to phase out several synthetic dyes, including FD&C Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and others by the end of next year. The agency revoked authorization for Red No. 3 earlier this year due to cancer concerns observed in animal studies.This reformulation trend not only benefits public health but also aligns with growing consumer demand for transparency and cleaner labels. Surveys show that a majority of Americans prefer foods with natural ingredients and fewer synthetic additives.
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