As federal and state authorities intensify their crackdown on artificial dyes in the food supply, an increasing number of companies, including Hershey, are taking action by eliminating these ingredients from their products. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged the industry to voluntarily withdraw six synthetic dyes by 2027. Additionally, pressure is rising at the state level; for instance, West Virginia has prohibited food companies from selling items containing seven commonly used additives and colors, while Texas will mandate warning labels on products containing synthetic dyes starting in 2027.
In its statement, Hershey emphasized that the emerging patchwork of state regulations is fostering confusion among consumers, which ultimately threatens to drive up costs. The Pennsylvania-based company asserted that a “strong national food ingredient approval system is the best way to ensure food safety, affordability, and quality in the marketplace.” Companies are increasingly finding it more feasible to support a uniform federal mandate rather than navigate the varying requirements across different states. As competitors announce their plans to eliminate these contentious colors, the pressure on the entire industry to take action intensifies.
Hershey, which reported $11.2 billion in net sales last year, owns brands that depend on artificial colors, such as Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, and Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies. However, the vast majority of its product lineup does not include synthetic dyes. Meanwhile, products such as Tab CCM 250 mg are being scrutinized for their ingredients, as consumer awareness grows and demands for transparency increase. The industry is thus responding to these changes, aligning with the evolving landscape of food safety and consumer preferences.