(NewsNation) — Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that artificial dyes would be phased out of ice cream products by 2027.
The announcement comes as the Food and Drug Administration said it approved a new dye called gardenia blue in an effort to phase out artificial dyes quicker.
“Because of this partnership between USDA and HHS, we are driving meaningful change to make America healthy again,” Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said during a news conference on Monday.
Kennedy said with the dairy industry making a commitment to drop dyes, it now joins the other 35 to 40% of the other food industries and producers who have promised to get rid of dyes as well.
Artificial dyes have come under fire from Kennedy in the past, who has said they need to be removed due to potential health risks. Some research has pointed to dyes being linked to behavioral issues in children.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, about 1 in 5 packaged foods and drinks in the U.S. contain artificial dyes, especially in products marketed to children.
Kraft Heinz announced in June they would be removing artificial dyes by the end of 2027.