RFK Jr.’s Battle Against Food Dyes Hits a Roadblock: M&M’s

Less than three months after he declared war on synthetic food dyes, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already secured the cooperation of the makers of some of America’s most colorful culinary products. If they fulfill their promises, Jell-O snacks, Kool-Aid beverages, and Lucky Charms cereals, among a host of other foods, will be rid of synthetic dyes by the end of 2027.

But the candy industry and its most colorful chocolate treat, M&M's, are a big obstacle standing between Mr. Kennedy and the ability to claim total victory.

Other than Froot Loops cereal, perhaps no food carries as much symbolism as M&M’s for Mr. Kennedy and the movement he calls “Make America Healthy Again.” Upon taking the reins at the Department of Health and Human Services, he made synthetic dyes the first target in his plan to rid the nation of ultra-processed foods.

When Mr. Kennedy announced in April that he had an “understanding” with food makers to remove petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2026, citing research showing they were linked to behavioral problems in children, critics scoffed at his voluntary approach. Yet his peer-pressure campaign appears to have produced some results. Last month, Nestle and ConAgra joined Kraft Heinz, General Mills and PepsiCo in signing on to the secretary’s plan.

Candy manufacturers, which lean on artificial colorings for the bright treats they market to children, are still holding out.

“I think RFK and his team are learning the limits of their power to persuade,” said Scott Faber, an attorney with the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization.