HHS Applauds Dairy Industry’s Voluntary Commitment to Remove Artificial Food Dyes from Ice Cream by 2028

Washington, D.C. —JULY 14, 2025 —While scooping ice cream on the steps of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. congratulated the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announcement on the dairy industry’s commitment to eliminate artificial food dyes from their ice creams. This is a voluntary, proactive pledge to eliminate the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts by 2028.

“I applaud the International Dairy Foods Association for stepping up to eliminate certified artificial colors,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The American people have made it clear—they want real food, not chemicals. Together with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, we’re holding the food industry accountable and driving a nationwide effort to Make America Healthy Again.”

“I appreciate IDFA members for spearheading this new initiative and finding ways to promote President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda. Each one of these endeavors helps families make better choices and pursue healthier lives,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

“IDFA’s commitment represents a significant shift in how food companies are responding to the growing demand for healthier, more transparent products,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. “By voluntarily removing artificial dyes, the dairy industry is leading the way toward cleaner ingredients and greater consumer trust. At FDA, we’re proud to support this kind of proactive leadership that puts families and public health first.”

Secretary Rollins, Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary met with IDFA leadership and dairy farmers before scooping ice cream at the IDFA announcement outside of USDA headquarters.

“This move by IDFA signals a new chapter in the way food is made and marketed in America,” said Kyle Diamantas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. “When companies take initiative without waiting for regulation, it shows a deep respect for consumer trust and safety. Eliminating artificial dyes is more than a formulation change, it’s a reflection of evolving values and our shared mission to Make America Healthy Again.”

“I am proud of ice cream makers and dairy foods companies for stepping up for American families by making this voluntary commitment to provide ice cream and frozen dairy treats without certified artificial colors,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). “Americans are passionate about their ice cream, and the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment will ensure wholesome, indulgent ice cream products made with real milk from American dairy farmers remain a special part of our lives as state and federal policies evolve.”