The majority of ice cream creators, who manufacture a staggering 90% of the country’s ice cream along with other frozen dairy desserts, have vowed to phase out numerous synthetic food colorings from their products by year-end 2027. Their resolution coincides with the upcoming National Ice Cream Day celebrated on July 20, making the announcement timely and pertinent. This groundbreaking decision was communicated under the auspices of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), an organization representing dairy corporates, and was also supported by the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy is quite invested in this cause as part of his Make America Healthy Again initiative.
Kennedy has consistently pointed fingers at the food industry for the widespread chronic health issues, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Earlier this year in April, he made public his plan to phase out eight synthetic dyes from medications and the country’s food supply by the end of 2026. These ubiquitous dyes have been commonly used in an array of food items, including candy, ice cream, soft drinks, and jams.
Kennedy’s push for a healthier food landscape will eliminate artificial dyes, specifically certified colours such as Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. These dyes have long been used in food processing, but a growing consciousness about their potential effects on health has triggered their elimination. This announcement was made public on July 14 in front of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in an event featuring speeches from Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins, Food and Drug Commissioner Martin A. Makary, and leaders from the dairy industry.
Beyond just eliminating harmful dyes, the discussion also delved into maximizing the healthfulness of dairy products. A key aspect of this is the promotion of dairy’s role in providing optimal nutrition to combat the widespread issue of malnutrition among children. Harnessing the power of emerging scientific findings, Kennedy highlighted the need for diets rich in protein and fats. This was an important sentiment echoed by Makary as well, and it was emphasized during the discussions.
Makary agreed with Kennedy’s call for a dietary shift, labelling it a ‘Renaissance moment’ for health in America. He stressed that part of this transformation involves correcting the flawed dietary guidelines currently being followed in the country. The much-criticized food pyramid, which has been a cornerstone of nutritional guidance for over 70 years, will no longer be in use, alongside the misrepresentation of natural saturated fats as harmful to our health.
Additionally, Makary made an announcement approving a new natural color additive called Gardenia blue, which is derived from the fruit of the gardenia plant. This adds to the recent FDA approvals of other natural food colorings including galdieria extract blue (from algae), calcium phosphate (providing a white hue), and butterfly pea flower extract (a colorful source of blue, purple, and green).
Even though no formal agreement, legislation or regulatory imposition has been made regarding banning these synthetic dyes, all parties’ understanding is clear. Kennedy mentioned that the Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA share a common agreement with the food industry to progressively phase out these dyes.
Kennedy’s enlightened approach to improved food policies has inspired several food giants to pledge their commitment to this cause. Notably, companies like Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestle, Tyson Foods, and Hershey’s have confirmed their intent to rescind all artificial food colorings used in their products in the upcoming few years.
The average American consumes around 19 pounds, equivalent to roughly 4 gallons, of ice cream every year, as stated by the trade associations. This change brought about by the ice cream manufacturers will have significant impacts on the American consumer’s dietary intake and overall health.
This concerted effort by the food industry towards healthier, more natural food options is a profoundly needed step in addressing health issues in the United States. It is a thoughtful approach not just to adapt to changing consumer preferences but also to uphold the industry’s social responsibility to promote better nutrition and wellbeing.
The push to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply is just the beginning. With its realization, it will lead to the improvement of the landscape of the food industry, setting a higher standard for health-oriented strategies in the production and processing of food items.
The overall initiative launched by Kennedy plays an instrumental role in revolutionizing not just the dairy industry but the broader food industry as well. This aligns perfectly with his Make America Healthy Again campaign, which strives for healthier food choices and stricter regulations to ensure the wellbeing of the consumers.
If the implementation goes as planned, the next step will be to reform dietary guidelines to reflect recent scientific findings. It will not only provide better understanding of nutrition, but also challenge long-standing, outdated beliefs and practices, ushering an era of nutritional enlightenment.
The dairy industry’s commitment to eliminate harmful components while elevating the nutritional profile of their products sends a strong message to the entire food industry. It marks a promising start towards facilitating healthier and more nutritious food choices, ultimately fostering better health for all.