Dye bans: FDA's tracker shows which school suppliers pledged to drop synthetic dyes
FDA updated its tracker of food industry pledges to remove petroleum-based dyes on Oct. 16. Several makers and trade groups list K-12-specific commitments, including the American Bakers Association, Consumer Brands Association, IDFA, Kellanova, Conagra, J.M. Smucker and WK Kellogg, most aimed at the 2026-27 school year; Aramark Student Nutrition is listed as complete for its core school menus. FDA is pushing industry to drop six remaining certified colors by the end of 2027, and Red No. 3's revocation takes effect Jan. 15, 2027.
Why it matters for directors: Supplier pledges, not just state laws, will shape what is available for school menus. Check your top dye-containing items against the tracker and ask each supplier for written reformulation dates.
Original source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration ↗