RFK Jr. Targets Doritos, Gatorade, Skittles and Many Others in Bold Crackdown on Toxic Food Dyes

Source: Imgn

Many products like Doritos and Skittles utilize artificial dyes

RFK Jr., as Secretary of Health and Human Services, is spearheading efforts to eliminate artificial food dyes, certain additives, and other chemicals from the U.S. food supply, targeting products especially marketed to children. He emphasizes that chronic illnesses like diabetes and autism pose a greater existential threat to the U.S. than diseases like measles, highlighting alarming statistics such as 100,000 annual autism cases and 38% of children being diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Source: Imagn

Bottles of juice move down a line for processing and packaging

In March 2025, Kennedy held meetings with CEOs of major food companies (PepsiCo, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Kellogg’s, Smucker’s, Tyson Foods) to demand voluntary removal of artificial food dyes before federal mandates are imposed. According to the Department of Health and Human Services,the FDA plans to revoke authorisation for food dyes Red No 2 and Orange B "within the coming months". Six remaining synthetic dyes - FD&C Green No 3; FD&C Red No 40; FD&C Yellow No 5; FD&C Yellow No 6; FD&C Blue No 1; and FD&C Blue No 2 - will be removed from the food supply by the end of next year, HHS said. From colorful cereals like Froot Loops to snacks like Doritos and candies like Skittles and M&Ms, artificial dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are everywhere. Even drinks like Gatorade, Kool-Aid, and Mountain Dew rely on them for their vibrant appeal. These dyes are especially prevalent in products marketed to children, raising growing health concerns.

Source: Imagn

RFK Jr. testifies before the senate

Kennedy has begun the process of reforming or eliminating the FDA’s “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) program, which currently allows companies to self-certify food ingredients without prior safety data submission to the agency. Originally strict, the GRAS rule became voluntary in 1997, letting companies add untested, potentially harmful substances to food without FDA review.

Source: Imagn

RFK Jr. prepares to speak to the media

Food industry lobbyists and major companies like PepsiCo and General Mills resist RFK Jr.’s push to ban artificial food dyes, citing concerns over supply chain disruptions, increased regulatory complexity, and higher compliance costs. Trade groups like the Consumer Brands Association warn that sweeping changes could harm profitability and manufacturing efficiency, reflecting significant political and industry opposition to the proposed food reforms.

Source: Imagn

A snapshot of a supermaket

Companies specializing in organic, clean-label, and minimally processed foods like Sunbasket and emerging plant-based brands are poised to gain significant market share amid strict governmental regulations. Conversely, major processed food producers such as Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola can face declining sales and higher compliance costs due to bans on artificial additives and dyes. The global organic food market is projected to grow from $228 billion in 2024 to nearly $594 billion by 2033, driven by health-conscious consumers and sustainability trends.

Source: Imagn

Cargo containers being offloaded from a ship in the Port of Long Beach

Processed food and beverage company stocks have experienced volatility and declines amid fears of tighter regulation. Over the past six months, PepsiCo (PEP) stock has declined significantly, dropping from highs around $180 in May 2024 to approximately $134 in May 2025, reflecting about a 25% decrease amid concerns over tariffs, supply chain costs, and regulatory pressures related to food additives and processed products. Meanwhile, the organic food brands have started to perform better.

Source: Imagn

Pharmacist Jennifer Booth prepares doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Kennedy’s movement also targets pharmaceutical companies, criticizing profit-driven models that prioritize chronic illness management over prevention. There’s a push for more research into preventive and holistic health approaches. Big pharma giants like AbbVie, Merck ,Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer etc are expected to take big hits because of this decision.

Source: Imagn

RFK Jr. speaks at a MAHA session

RFK Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement is gaining support for tackling chronic disease, poor diets, and harmful food additives. Supporters welcome its focus on clean nutrition and industry accountability. However, critics and health experts worry that Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism and controversial views could spread misinformation, undermine trust in science, and weaken efforts to promote evidence-based public health policies.

Source: Imagn

Jimmy von Thron shakes weight at MAHA booth during CPAC event

Historically, public health campaigns have promoted reducing sugar, improving food labeling, and encouraging whole foods, but none have matched MAHA’s scale or political alignment, especially given its bipartisan coalition and direct involvement of a cabinet-level official. Thus it is destined to impact the nutrition and pharma sector at an unprecedented level.