WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has commended the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) for its newly announced Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment, a voluntary pledge aimed at removing certified artificial colors from milk, cheese, and yogurt provided through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The initiative is set to take effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year and is poised to benefit 30 million schoolchildren nationwide.
“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,” said Secretary 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.”
Under the commitment, dairy companies supplying schools will eliminate the use of certified artificial colors, including Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 6, and others, ensuring compliance with evolving state regulations and preempting federal considerations to phase out such additives. Manufacturers will instead focus on reformulating products with natural ingredients while continuing efforts to reduce added sugars and prioritize nutrient-rich options.
Michael Dykes, President and CEO of IDFA, emphasized the industry’s ongoing focus on child nutrition. “The Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment goes above and beyond state and federal regulations to help ensure children in grades K-12 continue to have access to the milk, cheese, and yogurt options they enjoy without any certified artificial colors,” said Dykes. He highlighted dairy’s critical role in providing essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and high-quality protein that are vital for children’s growth and development.
The federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans underscore the importance of dairy consumption, noting that the majority of school-age children fail to meet recommended daily intake levels. School meals often present the primary opportunity for children to receive these essential nutrients, making the commitment a pivotal step in improving dietary health for millions.
Looking ahead, this initiative reflects the dairy industry’s proactive approach to addressing changing policies and public priorities while preserving the availability of nutrient-rich options in schools. The commitment paves the way for a healthier future, aligning industry actions with the broader goal of fostering better nutrition and wellness for the next generation.
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