US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has called on major food companies to eliminate artificial dyes from their products by the end of his term in 2029.
This directive was delivered during a recent meeting with executives from industry giants such as PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Tyson Foods, WK Kellogg and JM Smucker, alongside representatives from the Consumer Brands Association (CBA).
Kennedy’s mandate aligns with his broader ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) agenda, which seeks to address chronic health issues by reforming dietary practices. He noted the urgency of removing artificial dyes, stating he expects “real and transformative” changes to eliminate harmful ingredients from food products.
The market reacted swiftly to Kennedy’s announcement. According to Bloomberg, notable declines were observed in the stock prices of several food manufacturers:
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General Mills: Shares fell from $65 to $60, marking a nearly 8% drop.
JM Smucker: Stock decreased from $114 to $111, down 2.6%.
PepsiCo: Shares dropped from $152 to $148, a 2.6% decline.
These declines outpaced the broader S&P 500 index, reflecting investor concerns over potential regulatory changes and their impact on company operations.
The focus on artificial dyes stems from growing health concerns. Studies have linked certain synthetic colorants, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, to behavioral issues in children and potential carcinogenic effects.
In response, California enacted the California School Food Safety Act in 2024, banning six harmful dyes – Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, and Green Dye No. 3 – from food served in public schools. This legislation positions California as a leader in addressing food additive safety in educational settings.
Kennedy’s initiative also includes directing the FDA to collaborate with the industry in developing a federal framework on food dyes. This approach aims to prevent a patchwork of state regulations that could create compliance challenges for national and global food companies.
He has also urged the FDA to revise safety regulations by removing the provision that allows companies to self-affirm ingredient safety. This move is part of his broader effort, supported by President Donald Trump, to tackle the chronic illness epidemic – ranging from improving food standards to advancing vaccine research.
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