Ice cream makers pledged Monday to eliminate artificial coloring from their products by 2028.
The International Dairy Foods Association said it’s leading the voluntary effort with dozens of ice cream makers who represent 90% of the ice cream sold to food retailers and grocery stores in the U.S. The announcement comes after the Consumer Brands Association released its own voluntary commitment on Friday to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors "from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026-2027 school year."
The dairy industry commitment pledges removal of artificial colors Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from ice cream or frozen dairy desserts by Dec. 31, 2027.
“Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations,” IDFA’s press release said.
“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, president and CEO of IDFA.
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“Americans are passionate about their ice cream, and the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment will ensure that 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,” Dykes said in the release.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary were at USDA Monday to make the official announcement.
The commitment “applies to products made with real milk sold at food retail (including supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers) by the nation’s commercial ice cream makers,” IDFA said.
“In addition to branded and private label sales at food retail, many of the nation’s commercial ice cream makers distribute their products to restaurants, ice cream parlors and scoop shops across the country,” IDFA said, adding that the initiative “does not apply to products made with non-dairy ingredients or those made in-house by small ice cream shops or restaurants (i.e., food service).”
The association noted that FDA has found that certified artificial colors are safe for use in foods “when used in accordance with FDA regulations.” However, IDFA also observed that “West Virginia has passed a law phasing out their use in foods sold at retail, and several states are phasing out certified artificial colors in school foods. This misalignment of federal and state policies could disrupt how and where foods, such as ice cream, are marketed and sold.”
“By taking this proactive measure now, ice cream makers are ensuring ice cream remains a special part of our lives,” IDFA said.
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