Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the food industry is experiencing significant changes. One of the largest spice companies in the world, McCormick & Company, has announced a shift in its product development strategy to comply with new restrictions on food dyes and additives.

In a recent earnings call, McCormick CEO Brendan Foley confirmed that the company is actively working with partners to reformulate products, especially those that include artificial dyes and preservatives. Though McCormick states that only a small number of its products contain dyes, it plans to phase out Red Dye No. 3 ahead of the FDA’s mandated 2027 deadline.

What’s being banned?

The crackdown began with California’s 2023 law banning four controversial additives:

Red Dye No. 3 

Pez, Brach’s Candy Corn, Jelly Belly, Strawberry-flavored milk (e.g., TruMoo)

Potassium bromate

Packaged breads and rolls, pizza dough, tortillas, Cookies, and pastries

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)

Citrus-flavored soft drinks (e.g., Sun Drop, Orangette), Sports drinks

Propylparaben

Baked goods (e.g., cinnamon rolls, cakes), Processed meats, Tortillas​

These substances are linked to health risks and have already been banned in the European Union.

West Virginia followed suit in March 2025 with an even stricter law banning: Red Dyes No. 3 and 40, Yellow Dyes No. 5 and 6, Blue Dyes No. 1 and 2& Green Dye No. 3

Preservatives: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propylparaben

The law phases in by 2025 for school meals and goes statewide by 2028.

Other states, including New York, are drafting similar legislation. New York’s proposed Food Safety and Disclosure Act would not only ban harmful additives but also require labeling of all “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) substances on food packaging.

How is the industry adapting?

McCormick is aligning with emerging health trends, planning new products that emphasize wellness, such as items with high protein content, hydration benefits, and functional ingredients. Reformulations are underway to remove banned additives and anticipate further regulatory changes.

The impact of RFK Jr.’s policies is already shaping consumer goods across the U.S. food system. As more states enact additive bans and transparency laws, manufacturers are responding quickly to stay compliant and maintain consumer trust.