Many U.S. ice cream producers to phase out artificial food dyes by 2028

Dozens ofU.S.icecreamproducers are planning to remove artificial colors from their products by 2028, the International Dairy Foods Associationsaid on Monday.

The producers, which together represent more than 90% oficecreamsold in theU.S., are the latest food companies to take voluntary steps to remove dyes since Health SecretaryRobert F. Kennedy Jr. in April said theU.S.aimed to phase out many synthetic dyes from the country’s food supply.

Several major food manufacturers — including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, J.M. Smucker, Hershey and Nestle USA — have previously announced their plans to phase out synthetic food coloring.

The 40icecreamcompanies will remove Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from their retail products, excluding non-dairy products, said the IDFA. The group said it would will formally announce the plan at an event at theU.S. Department of Agricultureheadquarters on Monday with Kennedy, FDA CommissionerMarty Makaryand Agriculture SecretaryBrooke Rollins.

Kennedy has blamed food dyes for rising rates of ADHD and cancer, an area many scientists say requires more research.

The IDFA said artificial dyes are safe, but thaticecreammakers are taking the step in part to avoid disruption to sales from state efforts to phase out dyes from school foods andWest Virginia’srecent food dye ban.