Kennedy tells US food companies to remove artificial dyes
NEW YORK — US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. told food companies including PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz in a meeting on Monday that the Trump administration wants artificial dyes out of the food supply before Mr. Kennedy leaves office, according to an e-mail seen by Reuters.
Mr. Kennedy has pledged to tackle chronic illnesses by overhauling the US diet. He has encouraged fast-food chains to switch to beef tallow instead of seed oils for french fries, and pushed for bans on additives like food colors.
The US Food and Drug Administration, part of the agency Mr. Kennedy oversees, plans to work with the industry to create a federal framework on food dyes, according to the e-mail, sent by the Consumer Brands Association, a trade group representing PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and other food and consumer goods makers.
California last year banned dyes from food served in school lunches, and Virginia and New York State are considering similar measures.
Bloomberg News first reported on the discussion between Mr. Kennedy and the food companies.
According to the e-mail, the FDA wants to “avoid state patchworks,” or many states making their own laws on the topic, which could create confusion and hurdles for global companies.
Mr. Kennedy “expects ‘real and transformative’ change by ‘getting the worst ingredients out’ of food,” according to the e-mail. He also made clear that he will “take action unless the industry is willing to be proactive with solutions,” the e-mail states.
Consumer Brands Association Chief Executive Officer Melissa Hockstad said in a statement that the group looks forward to continuing to work with Mr. Kennedy.
A PepsiCo spokesperson said the Cheetos-maker was focused on “providing consumers with convenient, affordable and safe foods and drinks — including more options with natural ingredients, no synthetic colors and reductions in sugar, fat, and sodium.”
Kraft-Heinz did not respond to a request for comment. — Reuters
