Overview

• More than 40 ice cream producers covering about 90% of U.S. sales pledged to eliminate Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 from their retail products by the end of 2027 with some targets extending into 2028.
• The International Dairy Foods Association announced the commitment at a U.S. Department of Agriculture event alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
• This industry pledge follows an April federal roadmap that set voluntary phase-out goals for nine synthetic dyes and recent FDA approvals of plant- and mineral-based colorants such as gardenia blue and butterfly pea flower extract.
• Industry leaders cited studies linking artificial dyes to ADHD, cancer and other health concerns along with rising consumer demand for cleaner labels as key drivers of the plan.
• Health advocates warn that the voluntary, non-binding plan may not secure full industry compliance, prompting calls for clearer federal regulations.