Major U.S. ice cream manufacturers plan to stop using petroleum-based food dyes by 2028, responding to federal pressure and growing health concerns over synthetic additives.
Jonel Aleccia reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- About 40 companies that produce 90% of the U.S. ice cream supply have agreed to phase out seven synthetic food dyes, including Red 40 and Yellow 5, by 2028.
- The move aligns with broader industry pledges from major food brands like Nestle and General Mills to drop artificial colors amid warnings from the Trump administration and health officials.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new plant-based blue dye made from gardenia fruit and urged faster removal of Red 3, a color linked to cancer in animal studies.
Key quote:
“This is a Renaissance moment for health in America.”
— Marty Makary, U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner
Why this matters:
Artificial food dyes, especially those derived from petroleum, have long stirred debate over their safety. Some studies link some dyes to hyperactivity and attention issues in susceptible kids. Red 3, in particular, has been banned after showing cancer-causing effects in lab animals. With Americans consuming large volumes of dyed foods — including the average four gallons of ice cream annually — removing these additives could significantly reduce children's exposure. The trend reflects mounting public and political pressure on the food industry to clean up ingredient lists.
Read more: Major food companies drop artificial dyes as scrutiny grows over health risks
