PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: Major companies like PepsiCo and Tyson Foods are updating their recipes to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes in order to align with President Donald J. Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, spearheaded by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
👥 Who’s Involved: PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King, President Trump, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
📍 Where & When: United States, changes announced in May 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “I look forward to seeing more companies follow suit and put the health of Americans first. Together, we will Make America Healthy Again,” wrote Sec. Kennedy in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
⚠️ Impact: Companies are moving toward natural ingredients, aligning with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiative to end the use of petroleum-based food dyes by 2026.
IN FULL:
Major companies like PepsiCo and Tyson Foods are accelerating changes to their American recipes in a significant shift toward healthier food options. These efforts align with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, spearheaded by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Last month, Kennedy announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is collaborating with companies to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by the end of 2026, along with banning several other color additives.
“Just 13 days after [HHS] and the [FDA] announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply, Tyson Foods today reported it will eliminate these dyes by the end of May,” Sec. Kennedy announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding: “I look forward to seeing more companies follow suit and put the health of Americans first. Together, we will Make America Healthy Again.”
PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta has committed to leading the industry in removing artificial food dyes from products. Specific brands, such as Lay’s and Tostitos, are set to be free of artificial colors by the end of 2025, a year ahead of the FDA’s timeline.
Laguarta acknowledged the growing demand for natural ingredients. He claimed, “Our products are very safe and there’s nothing to worry about,” but added that “we understand that there’s probably going to be a consumer demand for more natural ingredients, and we’re going to be accelerating that transition.”
Similarly, Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King announced the company’s response to the FDA’s plans, committing to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of this month. Secretary Kennedy praised Tyson Foods’ prompt action on social media, expressing hope that more companies will prioritize Americans’ health.