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NewsWFLA News TampaAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough

General Mills removes artificial colors from US cereals by 2027

General Mills has committed to removing all artificial coloring from its U.S. cereal portfolio by the end of 2027, following a broader federal push to phase out synthetic food dyes. The company reports that 90 percent of its U.S. retail products have already transitioned to natural alternatives.

food safetypublic healthcorporate regulationFDA
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Why It Matters

This change affects the ingredients in common breakfast cereals consumed by millions of Americans, aligning with new federal regulatory efforts to eliminate petroleum-based dyes from the food supply.

Key Facts

  • General Mills will remove all artificial coloring from its U.S. cereal portfolio by the end of 2027.
  • 90 percent of General Mills' U.S. retail portfolio has already transitioned away from artificial colors.
  • The FDA plans to revoke authorization for Citrus Red 2 and Orange B.
  • The FDA aims to remove other synthetic dyes, including Red Dye 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3, by the end of 2026.
  • General Mills cereal 'Trix' previously contained Red Dye 40, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 6.
  • Natural alternatives for dyes include beets, algae, crushed insects, purple sweet potatoes, radishes, and red cabbage.
  • WK Kellogg Co. announced an accelerated timeline to remove artificial dyes on August 6.
  • FDA Commissioner Martin Makary linked synthetic dyes to health issues including ADHD, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and cancer.

Who's Mentioned

organizationGeneral Mills“Food company removing artificial dyes from cereals.”organizationFood and Drug Administration“Federal agency regulating food dyes.”organizationWK Kellogg Co.“Competitor also removing artificial dyes.”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health Secretary supporting dye removal.”personBethany Quam“Big C Cereal President at General Mills.”personMartin Makary“FDA Commissioner enacting dye phase-out regulations.”