In a significant shift toward cleaner food production, several leading food manufacturers have pledged to eliminate artificial dyes from their products by the end of 2027. This move follows mounting pressure from health advocates and government officials who argue that synthetic colorants pose unnecessary risks, especially to children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has intensified its scrutiny of existing food additives, while Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal proponent of removing these substances from the national food supply. Major corporations such as General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, McCormick, and In-N-Out Burger have already begun reformulating their products to meet this new standard.
The initiative centers around FD&C color additives—synthetic dyes approved by the FDA for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. While these dyes have been regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for decades, concerns about their potential health effects have grown. Secretary Kennedy has argued that many consumers are unknowingly ingesting petroleum-based chemicals with no nutritional value and that these compounds may negatively impact child development. His office has emphasized the need for greater transparency and safety in food manufacturing practices.
The FDA recently revoked approval for Red No. 3 due to evidence linking it to cancer in animal studies. Additionally, the agency is working with industry leaders to phase out other synthetic colorants, including Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3 by the end of next year. Although the process relies on voluntary cooperation from manufacturers, several companies have already made substantial progress. For example, General Mills announced that 85% of its U.S. product lineup is already free from artificial dyes, with plans to fully eliminate them by 2027. The company also intends to remove these additives from all K-12 school meals by mid-2026.
Kraft Heinz, another major player in this transition, has committed to discontinuing the use of artificial colors in all new U.S. products and is encouraging brand licensees to follow suit. Many of its current beverages and desserts, such as Crystal Light, Jell-O, and Kool-Aid, currently contain FD&C dyes. However, the company has already removed artificial ingredients from popular items like Kraft Mac & Cheese, which had undergone a similar reformulation back in 2016. PepsiCo, too, is accelerating its efforts, with Lay’s and Tostitos chips expected to be free of artificial colors by the end of the year. Meanwhile, McCormick is collaborating with restaurants and food producers to replace artificial dyes in seasoning blends and condiments.
In-N-Out Burger has taken notable steps by substituting artificial flavors with natural alternatives in shake mix, cocoa, and syrups. The fast-food chain has also replaced synthetic colorants like Yellow 5 and Red 40 with natural sources such as turmeric and beta-carotene. While some changes are already visible, the company continues to refine other menu items, including a ketchup formula that uses real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup and the exploration of higher-quality frying oils. As more companies align with this movement, consumers can expect a broader shift toward naturally colored, transparently labeled food options across the market.