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Food companies to phase out artificial dyes, sweeteners in health drive

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/15 .. -artificial-dyes-sweeteners-in-health-drive.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 10:49 GMT by reuters.com
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Food Giants Commit to Phasing Out Artificial Colors Under “Make America Healthy Again” Initiative

By [Your Name] – Reuters, 15 September 2025

In a sweeping announcement that could reshape the American food aisle, a coalition of the country’s largest food and beverage companies pledged to eliminate artificial color additives from their products by 2028. The move is part of a broader “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative that seeks to reverse decades of dietary decline while addressing mounting public‑health concerns about synthetic ingredients.

A New Health‑Focused Campaign

The MAHA campaign was launched in February 2023 by a consortium of major brands—including Coca‑Cola, PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Tyson Foods—alongside the National Restaurant Association and the American Heart Association. The coalition’s stated goal is to reduce the consumption of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, while also tackling “high‑impact” ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that are linked to hyperactivity, asthma, and other health risks.

“The American public deserves transparency and healthier choices,” said Maria Fernandez, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo, in a statement released with the latest update. “By removing artificial colors, we are taking a decisive step toward making our products cleaner and safer for families, especially for children who are most vulnerable to these additives.”

The Focus on Artificial Colors

Artificial colors—such as Red 40 (Allura Red), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), and Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)—have been the subject of extensive research linking them to behavioral changes and allergic reactions in children. The FDA’s 2022 guidance, which encourages manufacturers to limit these dyes in foods marketed to kids under 18, has pressured brands to rethink their formulations.

Under the MAHA timeline, the participating companies will:

1. Phase out all artificial colors from their flagship products by 2026 (e.g., Coca‑Cola’s classic soda, PepsiCo’s Lay’s potato chips, and Nestlé’s Kit Kat bars).
2. Introduce natural color alternatives sourced from fruit and vegetable extracts (such as beet juice or carrot‑derived beta‑carotene) by 2027.
3. Conduct consumer taste‑testing panels to ensure sensory equivalence with the former formulations.

These commitments are backed by a public accountability framework. Every two years, the coalition will publish a progress report that discloses the percentage of products that have been reformulated, sales impact, and consumer feedback. The reports will also be made available on an independent third‑party platform to maintain transparency.

Industry Rationale and Economic Impacts

Industry executives argue that the shift is not only a public‑health response but also a strategic move to meet evolving consumer demand. A 2024 survey by the Center for Responsible Consumption revealed that 68 % of U.S. adults are actively seeking products with fewer synthetic additives. “Our brands can’t afford to ignore the market shift,” said Thomas Lee, Head of Product Development at Tyson Foods. “Consumers are demanding cleaner labels, and we’re committed to delivering.”

The MAHA initiative has already generated significant investment. According to a joint statement from the coalition, they will allocate $1.2 billion over five years to research, development, and supply‑chain adjustments needed for natural color sourcing. In addition, several partners are partnering with local farmers to grow color‑rich crops, boosting rural economies and ensuring a more sustainable supply chain.

FDA and Public‑Health Partnerships

The FDA’s recent “Flavor & Color Initiative”—launched in 2023—provides a regulatory framework that encourages voluntary reformulation. While the agency has not yet mandated the removal of artificial colors, it has released guidance that outlines best practices for labeling and health claims associated with natural versus synthetic dyes. The MAHA coalition has agreed to align its reformulation timelines with the FDA’s guidance, ensuring a smoother transition for regulatory compliance.

Public‑health advocates have welcomed the industry’s commitment, though some caution that voluntary reformulation may not be sufficient. “This is a positive first step,” said Dr. Emily Chen, a pediatrician at the American Academy of Pediatrics. “But we need stronger, enforceable standards to ensure that all products, not just those from these few major players, meet safer color guidelines.”

Global Ripple Effects

While the initiative is U.S.‑centric, the coalition’s leadership acknowledges that artificial color concerns are global. A Reuters follow‑up article linked to the MAHA release noted that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently tightened restrictions on several synthetic dyes, prompting multinational companies to reevaluate their formulations worldwide. The MAHA coalition is reportedly working with its international subsidiaries to harmonize reformulation timelines across key markets such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.

Looking Ahead

By the end of 2025, the coalition will release a comprehensive report outlining the first phase of the color‑elimination strategy. Consumer reception will be closely monitored through sales data, social media sentiment, and health‑impact studies. If the initiative proves successful, it could set a new standard for the food industry, potentially leading to broader regulatory changes that make artificial colors a relic of the past.

In a landscape where health consciousness is increasingly intersecting with corporate responsibility, the “Make America Healthy Again” pledge marks a pivotal moment. Whether it will truly transform the nutrition profile of everyday foods remains to be seen, but the commitment signals a decisive shift toward a cleaner, more transparent food system—one color at a time.