Companies reacting to new dye-ban in WV

In March 2025, West Virginia became the first state to ban seven artificial food dyes and two preservatives, phasing them out from school meals by August and all foods by 2028. The GOP-led law, supported by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., drew criticism from industry groups over costs and supply issues. In response, major companies like General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and Pepsi have pledged to eliminate artificial dyes by 2027–2028.

CHARLESTON  West Virginia is the first state in the country to ban several artificial food dyes and preservatives, and other states and major food companies are now following the Mountain State’s lead.

House Bill 2354 passed earlier this year and prohibits the sale of food products containing seven synthetic dyes and two preservatives due to health concerns, especially among children. The law was introduced by Republican Delegate Evan Worrell of Cabell County.

The ban will be implemented in two phases, starting with public school systems this August and expanding to all food products sold in the state by 2028.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Monday that 90 percent of ice cream manufacturers have committed to removing artificial dyes from their products within three years. Food giants including PepsiCo, Nestle, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills have also announced plans to eliminate these additives.

Speaking with MetroNews, Delegate Worrell said many food and beverage companies were initially critical of the dye ban, but he said they’re starting to come around.

“You can see what we’re seeing now and several other states have passed similar legislation – you know, the secretary, RFK Junior, has talked about this and, I mean, now we have people as large as Nestle, Kraft, General Mills, PepsiCo, all working to remove artificial food dyes out of their products,” he said.

More than 20 states are now considering similar bans on synthetic dyes and preservatives.

However, one major group is still pushing back against Secretary Kennedy. The National Confectioners Association confirmed in a statement to The New York Times that it will continue using synthetic dyes in its products.

The Hershey Company as well as M&M and Skittles maker Mars Wrigley North America are both NCA member companies.  

PHOTO | Vecteezy