NEW YORK CITY, New York: The Trump administration is pressuring major food companies to remove artificial dyes from their products, with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. telling industry leaders that he wants them out of the food supply before he leaves office.

According to an email seen by Reuters, Kennedy met with representatives from companies, including PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz, urging them to phase out synthetic food colorings. His push is part of a broader effort to address chronic illnesses by improving the U.S. diet.

Kennedy has been vocal about food reform, previously encouraging fast-food chains to switch from seed oils to beef tallow for frying and advocating for bans on certain food additives.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which falls under Kennedy's oversight, plans to collaborate with industry leaders to create a federal framework for food dye regulations. According to the email, the goal is to prevent a "patchwork" of state laws that could create inconsistencies and compliance challenges for large food manufacturers.

Kennedy "expects ‘real and transformative' change by ‘getting the worst ingredients out' of food," the email states. He also warned that if companies fail to take proactive steps, he will "take action."

Consumer Brands Association CEO Melissa Hockstad said the group is committed to working with Kennedy on the issue.

California has already banned certain artificial dyes from school lunches, and similar legislation is under consideration in Virginia and New York.

A spokesperson for PepsiCo, which makes Cheetos and other popular snack foods, responded by saying the company remains focused on providing "convenient, affordable, and safe foods and drinks," including those made with natural ingredients and reduced levels of synthetic additives.