WASHINGTON: Major US ice cream makers on Monday announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colorings by the end of 2027.

These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic coloring, health advocates have long argued.

“I’m particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream,” Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions.

“This is a great day for dairy and it’s a great day for Make America Healthy Again,” added the IDFA’s President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy’s MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” or MAGA.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025