Target to Remove Synthetic Colors from Cereals by May

Other major food companies also committing to remove artificial dyes from products.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Target announced that it will only be selling cereals without synthetic colors by the end of May 2026. This move is part of a broader industry trend, with companies like Campbell's, Conagra Brands, Walmart, and General Mills also making commitments to remove artificial dyes from their food products.

Why it matters

The removal of synthetic colors from foods, especially cereals targeted at children, is seen as an important step in promoting healthier lifestyles. Recent studies have linked petroleum-based food dyes to various health issues in children, including ADHD, obesity, and cancer.

The details

Target's chief merchandising officer Cara Sylvester stated that the company is 'moving quickly to evolve our offerings to meet' consumer demands for healthier products. Other major food companies like Campbell's, Conagra Brands, Walmart, and General Mills have also announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes from their foods, as part of the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

  • Target will only sell cereals without synthetic colors by the end of May 2026.
  • Walmart announced it would remove synthetic dyes from its U.S. private-label foods starting in 2027.
  • General Mills said it would remove artificial colors from its foods and cereals by 2027.

The players

Target

A major American retail corporation that will be removing synthetic colors from its cereal products by the end of May 2026.

Cara Sylvester

Target's chief merchandising officer, who stated the company is quickly evolving its offerings to meet consumer demands for healthier products.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Health and Human Services Secretary who started the 'Make America Healthy Again' brand initiative focused on removing artificial dyes from foods.

Marty Makary

The FDA Commissioner who announced the agency is taking action to remove petroleum-based food dyes, citing concerns about their correlation with health issues in children.

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What they’re saying

“We know consumers are increasingly prioritizing healthier lifestyles, and we're moving quickly to evolve our offerings to meet their needs.”

— Cara Sylvester, Target Chief Merchandising Officer (CNBC News)

“Today, the FDA is taking action to remove petroleum-based food dyes. For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals. The scientific community has conducted a number of studies raising concerns about the correlation between petroleum-based synthetic dyes and several health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, cancer, genomic disruption, and GI issues.”

— Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner (Press Conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This industry-wide move to remove synthetic colors from foods, especially those targeted at children, is an important step in promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing concerns about the potential health impacts of petroleum-based dyes. It demonstrates how consumer demands and scientific research can drive positive changes in the food industry.