Schools to Get Dye-Free Dairy Products
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has announced a new initiative to improve the health and safety of dairy products served in K-12 schools across the United States. Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, the industry will voluntarily eliminate artificial food dyes such as Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from milk, cheese, and yogurt offered in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
“America’s dairy farmers and milk processors have always led the way in providing our families and schoolchildren with healthy, nutritious, and delicious milk products. While I look forward to getting whole milk back into our schools, today’s announcement shows how the dairy industry is voluntarily driving change and giving consumers what they want, without government mandates,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I thank IDFA and the dairy industry for leading the way and look forward to other industries thinking about how together, we can Make America Healthy Again.”
This voluntary commitment by the dairy sector signals a growing awareness of the importance of ingredient transparency and child health. With this shift, students will benefit from cleaner products while the dairy industry strengthens its public trust. The move is also seen as a proactive step toward a healthier future in school nutrition without the need for federal intervention.
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