Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged senior executives from major food companies to eliminate artificial dyes from their products during a meeting last week. Kennedy, who has been a vocal critic of artificial additives as part of his broader health initiative, warned companies that federal action could be taken if they do not act voluntarily.
According to a Bloomberg report, representatives from Kraft Heinz Co., Kellogg, Smuckers, General Mills Inc., and Tyson Foods were among those in attendance at the meeting on Monday. A summary from the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), which was reviewed by Bloomberg, indicated that Kennedy expects “real and transformative” changes by “getting the worst ingredients out” of food products.
The summary, written by Melissa Hockstad, the chief executive officer of the CBA, noted that Kennedy was clear about his willingness to take regulatory action if the industry does not make changes on its own. The CBA stated that it would seek clarification on the administration’s specific expectations and explore ways HHS can assist in removing roadblocks to potential reforms.
Kennedy’s meeting follows recent federal action on artificial dyes, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to ban Red No. 3, an artificial food coloring linked to cancer in animal testing. The dye, previously used in a variety of products, including candy and cough medicine, has now been prohibited from food products in the United States.
Despite the ban on Red No. 3, other artificial dyes remain legal and widely used in processed foods, including cereals, sodas, and snack foods. While artificial coloring does not provide nutritional benefits or significantly alter taste, it is commonly added to enhance the visual appeal of food products. Critics have long raised concerns about potential health risks, including links to hyperactivity in children and possible carcinogenic effects.
RFK JR met with Pepsi Co, Kelloggs, General Mills and many other food companies today to discuss the removal of certain ingredients that is linked to a lot of health issues for Americans.
This is exactly what we voted for!!
🔥🔥👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/wId6bhj5uV
— KᗴᒪᒪᗴY ✰ (@Patriotmom717) March 12, 2025
Kennedy shared a photo from the meeting on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he described the discussion as productive. “Great discussion today with industry leaders on advancing food safety and radical transparency to protect the health of all Americans, especially our children,” he wrote.
Beyond the federal level, state governments have also taken action on artificial dyes. In recent weeks, more than a dozen states have introduced legislation aimed at restricting or banning artificial food colorings. The push has gained bipartisan support, with both Democratic and Republican-led states considering restrictions.
NEW: RFK Jr. just exposed a truth that could bankrupt the antidepressant industry.
“There are studies coming out of Stanford and Harvard that show a lot of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, are related to food… Food is medicine. By changing your diet, you can… pic.twitter.com/YjQQHlIaYy
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) March 11, 2025
West Virginia recently passed a bill banning several artificial dyes, including yellow, blue, green, and red varieties often found in candies, snacks, and beverages. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan backing and reflects a growing trend among state governments seeking to address concerns over food additives.
Other states, including New York and Oklahoma, are considering similar measures, signaling a shift in policy discussions on artificial food coloring at both the state and federal levels. The outcome of these regulatory efforts, as well as the food industry’s response to Kennedy’s warnings, is expected to shape future policies on food safety and transparency in the United States.
