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16h ago

Mars Defies RFK Jr.'s Call to Ban Synthetic Dyes; Food Giants Pledge Phase-Out

The candy maker's refusal underscores the limits of voluntary reform under RFK Jr.'s campaign with FDA deadlines and state rules approaching.

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Overview

  • HHS Secretary RFK Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' campaign urges voluntary elimination of nine petroleum-based food dyes by end of 2026 and the FDA is set to ban Red Dye No. 3 from January 2027.
  • Nestlé, ConAgra, Kraft Heinz, General Mills and PepsiCo have committed to remove synthetic dyes from their U.S. products by the end of 2027.
  • Mars maintains its reliance on artificial dyes in M&M’s and Skittles, citing unresolved technical challenges, supply constraints and consumer preferences without a federal mandate.
  • States such as Texas, West Virginia, California, Utah and Virginia have enacted or scheduled warning labels and bans on synthetic dyes between 2027 and 2028, increasing pressure on manufacturers.
  • Observers warn that voluntary pledges may falter without enforceable regulations, and the FDA plans to revoke approval for additional dyes in the coming months.