USDA and ice cream makers pledge to remove certified artificial colors by 2027

USDA officials and ice cream industry leaders onstage at a USDA event announced a voluntary industry commitment to remove certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk. Secretary Rollins said, "By the end of next year, 2027, over 40 ice cream processors, representing more than 90% of the ice cream sold at retailers, will have removed certified artificial colors." The administration framed the pledge as a collaboration between farmers, processors and federal agencies and pointed to earlier industry-led changes as precedent.

Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, described the work underway across companies to reformulate flavors and find natural color alternatives: "All the ice cream you will enjoy here today has all the artificial colors removed." Dykes emphasized that the move is voluntary and industry-driven, and said many members are already compliant. Industry speakers noted the commitment covers a broad set of manufacturers from small family businesses to large processors and tied the change to consumer demand and transparency.