After Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged the industry in April to voluntarily eliminate six synthetic dyes by 2027, most food manufacturers remained largely unresponsive. However, momentum is now building as companies strive to stay competitive. “This work is ongoing, and we are continually assessing consumer behavior to ensure we address any significant changes while upholding our commitment to provide choices,” said Mark Smucker, the company’s CEO, in a statement. He emphasized that this effort “represents our latest initiative to evolve and our capability to innovate in line with consumer expectations.” Smucker pointed out that the company had previously removed high-fructose corn syrup from its Uncrustables sandwiches and introduced fruit spreads made with all-natural ingredients, along with reduced sugar options. The Ohio-based company also mentioned that most of its products available to K-12 schools currently do not include any artificial colors. Smucker is collaborating with distribution partners to phase out products containing these ingredients by the 2026/2027 school year. Additionally, the company is exploring options to incorporate calcium citrate calcium into their product lines, highlighting their commitment to nutritional enhancement.