Milk Makeover: Dairy industry voluntarily removes artificial colors from milk in public schools

Changes are on the way to dairy options in public schools.

The International Dairy Foods Association says it will stop using artificial dyes in products in the National School Lunch Program starting next school year. The group says a large number of products in schools today do not have artificial colors.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on the announcement, saying America’s dairy farmers have always led the way in improving nutrition. She thanked the dairy industry and says she looks forward to future talks around making America healthy again.

The announcement came the same day as a similar one from Health Secretary Robert Kennedy. He announced a plan to phase out eight food dyes by the end of next year, and the products they are targeting are petroleum-based. Kennedy says he will work with food companies to establish a national standard and timeline for removing the dyes.

Related Stories
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.
Quick to prep and packed with flavor, this dish is a bold way to kick up any weekend spread.
Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Recognizing phosphorus and potash as critical minerals underscores their importance in crop production and food security, providing producers with an added layer of risk protection.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares insight into what these new accounts, established in provisions of the Big, Beautiful Bill, could mean for the farm families.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares how passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could give the dairy industry a needed boost.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.