Candy Makers Push Back on RFK Jr's Dye Ban as Trump Admin Backs Science-Based Standards

As Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes forward with his MAHA initiative to ban synthetic food dyes nationwide, America’s candy makers are drawing a red line.

While big food conglomerates like Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and General Mills have caved to Kennedy’s pressure, pledging to eliminate petroleum-based dyes within two years, major players in the confectionery world like MARS, maker of Skittles and M&M’s aren’t buying it.

“Give me a break,” said Christopher Gindlesperger of the National Confectioners Association.

“People can freely buy cannabis, THC products, alcohol, and cigarettes but vibrantly colored candy is an issue?”

Gindlesperger noted that candy consumption is minimal in comparison to other indulgent categories, averaging just 40 calories and one teaspoon of added sugar per day for most Americans. The idea that colorful candy is a public health emergency, he says, is nonsensical and distracts from real health threats.

MARS, which previously said in 2016 it would remove artificial colors, now says it’s unwilling to commit to anything until effective alternatives are scientifically validated.

“We are aware of the administration’s request... At this time, we have not yet identified fully effective solutions,” a MARS spokesperson stated.
“Meanwhile, it is important to underline that all of our products continue to be safe to enjoy.”

That hasn’t stopped RFK Jr.’s team from accusing MARS of hypocrisy for phasing out dyes in Europe while holding out in the U.S.

“Disappointing,” said an HHS spokesperson, who claimed that removing artificial dyes is about “behavioral and developmental risks in children” a claim many in the food industry say lacks credible, consensus science behind it.

But the candy industry isn’t just saying no they’re pointing to President Trump’s approach as the right model.

“We are in agreement with the Trump administration that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in our national food safety system,” Gindlesperger added.

Trump’s USDA and FDA leaders have emphasized science, transparency, and consumer choice, rather than bowing to activist-driven agendas and shaky studies. That approach is now under threat by the Kennedy-led crackdown, which seeks to make bureaucratic overreach the new norm in America’s food industry.

While Kennedy may think this is a winning issue, he’s quickly finding that not every company is going to roll over to politicized public health crusades especially those that have stood the test of time by prioritizing consumer safety and product integrity.

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