A group of major US ice cream makers, which produce 90% of the nation’s frozen dairy desserts, is eliminating artificial dyes from their products by the end of 2027. The announcement comes just under a week before National Ice Cream Day on July 20. Made in partnership with health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the initiative aims to phase out eight certified artificial colors found in food and medications.
Eight artificial dyes – Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 – will be phased out from US food supply by 2027. Kennedy, who has championed a healthier America through his “Make America Healthy Again” platform, praises the dairy industry for its commitment to eliminating artificial colors.
The voluntary effort is part of broader efforts to promote healthier eating in the US. Kennedy has also announced plans to re-examine dietary guidelines and emphasize the importance of protein and fats in American diets. The FDA has approved a new natural color additive, Gardenia blue, which joins other plant-based options already on the market.
This move follows several food companies’ commitments to remove artificial food dyes from their products within the next couple of years. The US ice cream industry averages 19 pounds of consumption per person annually, with 1.31 billion gallons produced in 2024.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/14/rfk-jr-ice-cream-eliminate-artificial-dyes/85196176007