Overview

• Major manufacturers including Kraft Heinz, Mars and General Mills announced voluntary plans to remove petroleum-based food dyes under MAHA, reflecting consumer-driven trends rather than new federal mandates.
• Nutrition researchers such as Dr. Barry Popkin and Dr. Marion Nestle argue the dye phase-out delivers no meaningful health benefit and serves primarily as a public relations victory.
• The FDA’s January ban on Red Dye No. 3 and existing state restrictions had already prompted many companies to switch to natural coloring agents before MAHA’s campaign launch.
• Consumer advocates warn that nonbinding industry pledges lack accountability measures, raising the risk that companies could reverse course without enforcement mechanisms.
• While celebrating cosmetic changes, the MAHA initiative has deferred substantial action on ultraprocessed foods and overseen cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and federal research funding, prompting criticism over its overall public health impact.