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US ice cream giants pledge to ditch artificial dyes by 2027 in health push

Makers of over 40 top ice cream brands have pledged to stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colourings in two years’ time

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jnr eats a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone during a press conference announcing that ice cream makers are pledging to eliminate many artificial food dyes by the end of 2027. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Agence France-Presse
Major US ice cream makers on Monday announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jnr to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colourings by the end of 2027.

These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic colouring, health advocates have long argued.

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“I’m particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favourite food, which is ice cream,” Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions.

“This is a great day for dairy and it’s a great day for Make America Healthy Again,” added the IDFA’s President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy’s MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” or Maga.
Eight-month-old Eleanor gets a taste of ice cream during Monday’s ceremony announcing that major US ice cream makers will eliminate the use of artificial colours in their products by the end of 2027. Photo: AP
Eight-month-old Eleanor gets a taste of ice cream during Monday’s ceremony announcing that major US ice cream makers will eliminate the use of artificial colours in their products by the end of 2027. Photo: AP

Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colours or were in the process of doing so.

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