America's dairy farmers and ice cream producers agree to quit using artificial colors

FDA Approves New Natural Food Dyes as Part of 'Make America Healthy Again' Agenda Championed by Kennedy and Rollins

America's Ice Cream Is Getting Healthier

On Monday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and FDA Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary jointly announced a major step toward healthier ice cream. (See the video at the top of this article.)

In partnership with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and MAHA leaders, dairy farmers committed to removing artificial colors from all ice cream products by the end of 2027.

Everything to Know About MAHA

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins told Fox News Digital, "Each one of these endeavors helps families make better choices and pursue healthier lives."

She continued, "I appreciate IDFA members for spearheading this new initiative and finding ways to promote President Trump's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda."

Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), highlighted the progress already made, noting that sugar in school-flavored milk—the most popular dairy product among children—has been reduced by 60%.

"This announcement today represents over 40 individual ice cream companies," said Dykes.

"It's the single largest effort of its kind."

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the growing movement across the food industry, commending major manufacturers who have pledged to remove artificial coloring from their products.

"With this addition today of the dairymen and dairy food producers, we now have about 35% of the American food industry that has made commitments," said Kennedy.

He added that this figure builds on the estimated 35% to 40% of the industry that is already offering organic, healthy, and chemical-free options.

Dairy Farmers Join the Movement for Healthier Ice Cream

Dairy farmers from Michigan, Illinois, Idaho, and Indiana gathered at the press conference to show support for the MAHA initiative.

Among them was Sam Schwoeppe, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and owner of Schwoeppe Dairy in Indiana. She spoke passionately about the health benefits of whole milk and the critical role dairy plays in childhood nutrition.

Schwoeppe shared a personal story rooted in her family’s experience as foster parents.

"I'll never forget one of my brothers arriving at our family at the age of nine with gray hair, bald patches on his head, and skin flaking off his body due to a lack of nutrition," she recalled.

"After just one month of regular meals — including the dense nutrition provided by whole milk and dairy products, and of course, our regular weekend ice cream parties — he transformed into a little freckled-faced, red-headed boy."

Schwoeppe emphasized her mission: "to feed children" with nourishing, wholesome food.

"It is essential we consume good, wholesome food products. Real dairy products are among the most nutritious options," she said.

"And even though ice cream is decadent and high in calories, it sure beats the heck out of candy and soda pop as a sweet treat."

According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dairy remains a key source of essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

Adding to the health-forward push, FDA Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary announced that the agency will soon approve gardenia blue as a new natural food dye — a further step in reducing synthetic additives in food products.

A Step-by-Step Approach to a Healthier Food Supply

“The sickness of American kids is not a willpower problem. It’s not their fault,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Mary Makary. “We can do things that will make the food supply healthier, one step at a time.”

As part of that effort, the FDA has been expanding the list of approved natural food colorings. In May, three new natural-source colors received approval: galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement continues to gain traction in local communities. Ice cream shops such as Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream in South Carolina and King Cone in Plover, Wisconsin, have already eliminated artificial food dyes from their products, Fox News Digital previously reported.