Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is taking on Big Food in his long-anticipated crusade to eliminate artificial dyes from American products. He’s telling Big Food companies they can poison Americans no longer.
At a glance:
• Kennedy met with major food companies including PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz to demand the removal of artificial dyes
• He aims to completely eliminate artificial dyes from the U.S. food supply by 2028
• A YouGov poll shows 74% of Americans support banning harmful food additives
• Some states like California have already banned certain food dyes in school lunches
• Kennedy has also called for fast-food chains to switch from seed oils to beef tallow
Taking On The Food Industry
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed as Health Secretary in the Trump administration, has fired a warning shot across the bow of America’s food industry giants. The long-time health crusader recently convened a private meeting in Washington with CEOs from major food companies to deliver a clear message: remove artificial dyes from your products or face potential government action.
Kennedy’s initiative represents a significant shift in how the federal government approaches food safety and public health concerns. He has accused the U.S. food and beverage industry of “poisoning” Americans and has pledged to scrutinize the chemical additives that have become ubiquitous in processed foods across the country.
The Secretary has given food manufacturers until 2028 to voluntarily remove artificial dyes from their products. This timeline puts pressure on industry giants to reformulate many of their most popular items or potentially face stricter regulations down the line.
Melissa Hockstad, President and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, communicated Kennedy’s intentions in a memo to industry leaders following the high-stakes meeting. The industry response has been carefully measured, with companies expressing willingness to collaborate while preserving consumer choice.
Public Support For Food Reform
Kennedy’s initiative enjoys substantial backing from the American public, with a recent YouGov poll indicating 74% of Americans favor banning certain food additives. And that’s even with the mainstream media lying about Kennedy’s beliefs!
The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for increasing restrictions on potentially harmful ingredients in our food supply.
The Health Secretary has consistently linked the rise in chronic disease to corporate influence over regulatory bodies.
Some states aren’t waiting for federal action, either, with California already implementing bans on certain dyes in school lunches. Virginia and New York are considering similar measures, creating a patchwork of regulations that food companies must navigate.
The FDA is currently developing a federal framework for food dyes and plans to ban Red 3 food coloring, also known as erythrosine, in food, supplements, and ingestible drugs. This move aligns with the Delaney Clause, a 1958 law prohibiting ingredients causing cancer in humans or animals from being used in food or cosmetics.
Industry Pushback And Concerns
Food companies have expressed cautious willingness to work with Kennedy while emphasizing the need for consumer choice. A PepsiCo spokesperson stated they remain “focused on providing consumers with convenient, affordable, and safe foods and drinks – including more options with natural ingredients.”
But we’ll soon see how serious they are when it comes down to what matters to them: money.
