Latest news with #IDFA
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
No more fake colours in American ice cream
Major US ice cream makers on Monday announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet, as per AFP. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colourings by the end of 2027. These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic coloring, health advocates have long argued. "I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favourite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions. "This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again," added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or MAGA. Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colours or were 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," he said. Industry data shows Americans consume roughly 19 pounds (8.6 kg) of ice cream a year. The frozen treat contributes an estimated $12 billion to the economy and supports more than 27,000 dairy industry jobs. In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke authorisation for two synthetic dyes and to "work with industry" to eliminate six more — an approach critics dismissed as too soft and overly reliant on voluntary action.
eNCA
15-07-2025
- Health
- eNCA
US ice cream makers to scoop out synthetic dyes under RFK Jr. push
WASHINGTON - Major US ice cream makers announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colourings by the end of 2027. These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic colouring, health advocates have long argued. "I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favourite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions. "This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again," added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or MAGA. Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colours or were 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," he said. Industry data shows Americans consume roughly 8.6kg of ice cream a year. The frozen treat contributes an estimated $12-billion to the economy and supports more than 27,000 dairy industry jobs. In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke authorisation for two synthetic dyes and to "work with industry" to eliminate six more -- an approach critics dismissed as too soft and overly reliant on voluntary action. Kennedy on Monday said between "35 and 40 percent" of the food industry has now pledged to make the shift, but it was notable the ice cream makers' pledge pushes past the health secretary's original target of end-2026, giving companies an extra year to adjust their supply chains.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
US ice cream makers to remove synthetic dyes under RFK Jr initiative
WASHINGTON: Major US ice cream manufacturers have announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes from their products by 2027, responding to pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move comes as part of broader efforts to reduce unnecessary additives in food. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), representing over 40 leading ice cream brands, confirmed the decision to phase out petroleum-based artificial colorings. Studies have linked these dyes to health issues such as ADHD, cancer, and digestive problems, despite providing no nutritional benefits. Kennedy praised the industry's commitment at a press event, calling it a positive step for public health. 'This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again,' said IDFA President Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan. Turkey Hill CEO Andy Jacobs noted that many manufacturers had already begun removing artificial dyes. 'By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change,' he said. The US ice cream industry, worth $12 billion annually, sees Americans consuming around 19 pounds per person each year. While some companies like Nestle and PepsiCo have already committed to removing synthetic dyes, others, including Mars and Kellogg's, continue to use them in products like M&M's and Froot Loops. Meanwhile, the FDA under President Biden recently banned Red Dye No. 3, while the Trump administration has fast-tracked approvals for natural alternatives like gardenia blue. Kennedy's voluntary approach has drawn criticism for being too lenient, but industry participation suggests progress. - AFP
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
America's dairy farmers and ice cream producers agree to quit using artificial colors
America's ice cream will be getting healthy again. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins, together with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary, made essentially this announcement on Monday. (See the video at the top of this article.) MAHA leaders, together with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and dairy farmers, announced that artificial colors in ice cream products will be eliminated by the end of 2027. Sec. Rollins told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Each one of these endeavors helps families make better choices and pursue healthier lives." "I appreciate IDFA members for spearheading this new initiative and finding ways to promote President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda," she added. Michael Dykes, IDFA CEO, said they've reduced sugar by 60% in America's schools and flavored milk, which is the No. 1 product for children. "This announcement today represents over 40 individual ice cream companies," said Dykes. "It's the single largest effort of its kind." Sec. Kennedy commended major food manufacturers that have pledged to take artificial coloring out of their foods. "With this addition today of the dairymen and the dairy food producers, we now have about 35% of the American food industry that has made commitments," said RFK Jr. He added the stats are in addition to about 35% to 40% of the food industry, which was "already organic and healthy and chemical-free." Dairy farmers from Michigan, Illinois, Idaho and Indiana were at the press conference. Schwoeppe Dairy farm owner and fifth-generation dairy farmer Sam Schwoeppe of Indiana touted the benefits of consuming whole milk. Her parents were foster parents, she said, and she personally witnessed the importance of good nutrition in her life, making it her core to her mission "to feed children." "I'll never forget one of my brothers arriving [at] our family at the age of nine with gray hair, bald patches on his head and skin flaking off his body due to a lack of nutrition," she said. "After one month of regular meals, including the dense nutrition provided by whole milk and dairy products — and of course, our regular weekend ice cream parties — he transformed into a little freckled-faced, red-headed boy," said Schwoeppe. "It is essential we consume good, wholesome food products," she added. "Products containing real dairy are the most nutritious options, and even though ice cream is decadent and has calories, it sure beats the heck out of candy and soda pop for a sweet treat." Dairy products are a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium and vitamin D, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines. Commissioner Makary also announced the FDA will be approving another natural food dye: gardenia blue. "The sickness of American kids is not a willpower problem. It's not their fault. We can do things that will make the food supply healthier, one step at a time," said Makary. In May, the FDA approved three natural-source colors in food items: galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate. The MAHA movement has spread to a number of local communities — with Stella's Homemade Ice Cream in South Carolina, plus King Cone in Plover, Wisconsin, doing away with artificial food dyes, Fox News Digital previously reported.
South China Morning Post
15-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
US ice cream giants pledge to ditch artificial dyes by 2027 in health push
Major US ice cream makers on Monday announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jnr to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet. Advertisement The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colourings by the end of 2027. These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic colouring, health advocates have long argued. 'I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favourite food, which is ice cream,' Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions. 'This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again,' added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump 's 'Make America Great Again' or Maga. Eight-month-old Eleanor gets a taste of ice cream during Monday's ceremony announcing that major US ice cream makers will eliminate the use of artificial colours in their products by the end of 2027. Photo: AP Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colours or were in the process of doing so.
