RFK Jr. Pushes Big Food to Cut Artificial Dyes, Warns of Regulations

Kennedy Prioritizes Removal of Artificial Food Dyes in Meeting with Industry Executives

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made it clear to leading food industry executives that removing artificial food dyes is a top priority for the Trump administration. During a meeting on Monday, Kennedy emphasized his commitment to eliminating "the worst ingredients" from the food supply, stressing that he is willing to take action if companies fail to cooperate. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

HHS Secretary Sets Timeline for Dye Phase-Out, Signals Regulatory Action if Needed

According to a memo summarizing the discussion, Kennedy aims to phase out artificial dyes before the end of his tenure. The Consumer Brands Association, which represents major food manufacturers, confirmed that while Kennedy expressed a willingness to collaborate, he also "made clear" that regulatory action would follow if the industry does not proactively address the issue.

Melissa Hockstad, CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, characterized the meeting as productive. "It was a constructive conversation, and we look forward to continued engagement with the secretary and the qualified experts within HHS to support public health, build consumer trust, and promote consumer choice," she stated in a comment to CNBC. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Major Food Company Executives Attend Discussion on Food Safety Priorities

Executives from some of the largest food companies in the U.S., including PepsiCo North America, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Tyson Foods, WK Kellogg, and J.M. Smucker, were in attendance. A PepsiCo spokesperson echoed Hockstad’s sentiment, stating, "We appreciate the Secretary taking the time to sit down with us and view the meeting as a productive first step in working with the Administration." PepsiCo / Wikimedia

Kennedy's HHS Role Encompasses Broad Health and Regulatory Responsibilities

As head of the $1.7 trillion HHS, Kennedy oversees food and drug regulations, vaccine policy, scientific research, public health initiatives, and government healthcare programs. His “Make America Healthy Again” platform focuses on addressing chronic diseases through dietary and lifestyle changes, advocating for a greater emphasis on nutrition in public health policy Boghosian, Joyce: United States Department of Health and Human Services (The White House) / Wikimedia

Push Against Artificial Dyes Follows FDA Action on Red No. 3 Earlier This Year

The push to remove artificial dyes follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision in January to revoke authorization for Red No. 3, a dye linked to cancer in laboratory animals. Despite concerns about human exposure levels, the dye had remained in use for years. Kennedy’s stance signals a broader effort to reform food regulations and public health policies. PD-US / Wikimedia

Administration Outlines Food Safety Strategy with Industry and Regulators

First reported by Bloomberg, the meeting between Kennedy and food executives reflects the administration's aggressive stance on food safety and public health. Whether voluntary industry cooperation or government intervention will drive change remains to be seen. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia