The push to tackle ultraprocessed foods and artificial dyes in the United States has gained momentum, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy leading the charge. As states begin to implement laws targeting these harmful ingredients, major food and beverage companies are joining forces to fight back.
Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Nestlé are just a few of the companies that have come together to form Americans for Ingredient Transparency, a lobbying alliance aimed at stopping the spread of state laws. Instead, they are advocating for a national standard to regulate ingredient transparency.
The group argues that the patchwork of state laws creates confusion for consumers, limits choices, and drives up costs at the grocery store. By pushing for a national standard, they believe they can provide clarity and consistency for both consumers and businesses.
Americans for Ingredient Transparency has garnered support from industry trade groups such as the Consumer Brands Association, American Beverage, the American Frozen Foods Institute, and FMI – The Food Industry Association. Together, they are working to combat RFK’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which has gained bipartisan support in states across the country.
States like West Virginia, Texas, and California have already enacted legislation to ban artificial dyes, require warning labels on certain additives, and prohibit ultraprocessed foods in schools. As more states consider similar laws, food and beverage companies are ramping up their efforts to protect their interests.
Americans for Ingredient Transparency is advocating for a uniform regulatory approach for new ingredients, a front-of-package nutrition labeling system, and QR codes on food packaging for more ingredient information. However, consumer advocacy groups and supporters of the MAHA movement have criticized the group, accusing them of prioritizing profits over public health.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, expressed disappointment in the industry’s tactics, stating that the association’s goal is to eliminate state laws that protect consumers from harmful ingredients. He called on food companies to prioritize the removal of toxic ingredients from their products rather than investing in lobbying efforts.
As the debate over ingredient transparency continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the actions of food and beverage companies and advocacy groups will shape the future of the U.S. food supply.
