Nestlé USA and Conagra Brands are the latest food industry leaders to announce plans to end the use of certain synthetic colors in their food and beverage products. This significant decision comes amid a growing backlash against artificial dyes in the United States, fueled by pressure from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a statement released on Wednesday, Nestlé revealed its intention to “fully eliminate FD&C colors in its U.S. food and beverage portfolio by mid-2026.”
Nestlé has been proactively removing synthetic colors from its offerings over the past decade, stating that over 90 percent of its current product lineup is free from synthetic dyes. The company emphasized that this move is part of its ongoing commitment to provide consumers with high-quality, nutritious foods and beverages that reflect their diverse preferences and choices.
On the same day, Conagra Brands, known for its popular brands like Birds Eye, announced it would cease using FD&C dyes in its frozen food products by the end of this year. Additionally, the company is working towards eliminating these dyes from all its products by the end of 2027. This decision follows similar announcements from other major food corporations, including Kraft Heinz and General Mills, which were described as “long overdue” by Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.
The increasing scrutiny on artificial dyes has garnered political attention, particularly from Secretary Kennedy, who has labeled these dyes as “poison.” Despite Kennedy's controversial background, including his previous involvement with an anti-vaccine movement, his food agenda has received bipartisan support. Both nutrition experts and Democrats have expressed agreement on the necessity of reforming dietary habits among Americans, as reported by The Washington Post.
On Wednesday, Secretary Kennedy praised the decisions made by Nestlé USA and Conagra Brands, urging other companies to “step up and help us Make America Healthy Again.” This statement aligns with his broader agenda aimed at combating chronic disease and childhood illnesses. Earlier in the year, the Trump administration had announced plans to phase out petroleum-based food dyes, but this initiative faced confusion among food officials regarding industry-wide compliance.
Under the Biden administration, the FDA has announced a ban on the controversial red dye No. 3 in food products by mid-January 2027. This decision comes decades after the dye was banned in cosmetics due to research linking it to cancer in animals, although regulators assert there is no evidence connecting its ingestion to cancer in humans.
Research has indicated a potential association between food dyes used in the U.S. and hyperactivity or behavioral issues in children. However, some researchers argue that the evidence is inconclusive, as isolating the effects of a single ingredient is challenging due to the wide variety of foods consumed daily. As a response to these concerns, several states have begun taking legislative action regarding food additives.
In 2023, prior to the FDA ban, California passed a law prohibiting the sale of foods containing red dye No. 3 after January 1, 2027. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation requiring the labeling of foods with 44 commonly used dyes or additives. West Virginia has also taken steps, banning foods containing seven specific dyes from being served in school nutrition programs starting in August and from being sold in the state by January 1, 2028.
