On a mission: Dairy industry to remove artificial colors from National School Lunch Program

WASHINGTON— The International Dairy Foods Association pledged to eliminate artificial colors for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

The commitment is described as a voluntary, proactive measure to get rid of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 in milk, cheese and yogurt products sold to K-12 schools.

“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 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

“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.”

At the same time, dairy companies will continue to reduce added sugar and work with school nutrition professionals, parents and students to educate them about the benefits of dairy in healthy diets, IDFA officials said.

“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 Michael Dykes, IDFA president and CEO.

To learn more, visit www.healthydairyinschools.org.