WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a statement Tuesday applauding the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) for its new voluntary commitment to eliminate artificial colors from dairy products distributed through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

The IDFA’s “Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment” outlines the industry’s pledge to remove certified artificial colors—including Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6—from milk, cheese, and yogurt sold to K–12 schools. This change is set to begin in the 2026–2027 school year.

“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. “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.”

Rollins credited the dairy industry’s leadership and encouraged other sectors to consider similar steps to improve public health.

For more information on the IDFA’s commitment, visit www.idfa.org.