General Mills eliminates artificial colors from its entire portfolio of K-12 school foods
This milestone marks a significant victory for the Minneapolis-based food giant, which successfully reached its goal several months ahead of its original summer 2026 commitment.
USA – General Mills has achieved a major milestone by eliminating certified artificial colors from its entire portfolio of K-12 school foods, well ahead of its summer 2026 target, reinforcing the company’s commitment to healthier options for young students nationwide.
The reformulation completes a shift that now covers 100% of products supplied to US schools, including popular cereals like Lucky Charms 25% Less Sugar, which was the final item updated from 98% to full compliance.
This proactive step responds to growing parental and regulatory concerns over synthetic dyes linked to behavioral issues in children, aligning with broader industry trends toward cleaner labels amid US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to phase out such additives from the food supply.
General Mills had pledged in June 2025 to remove certified colours from all school foods and cereals by mid-2026, with full elimination of the US retail portfolio by the end of 2027.
Pankaj Sharma, segment president for North America Foodservice, emphasized the move as a testament to consumer trust, noting that 85% of General Mills’ retail products were already free of these dyes.
The update maintains taste and visual appeal through natural colour sources such as beet juice, turmeric, and annatto, ensuring school meals remain attractive without compromising nutrition or affordability for districts serving millions daily.
This accomplishment positions General Mills as a leader in school nutrition, where federal programs like the National School Lunch Program prioritize whole grains, reduced sugar, and additive-free items to combat childhood obesity, which affects 20% of US youth.
The reformulation supports the company’s Acceleration Agenda, focusing on high-growth areas like snacking and pet food while enhancing portfolio health, with cereals now accounting for just 4% of sales but remaining pivotal for brand loyalty.
General Mills remains on track for cereal-wide changes this summer, potentially influencing competitors like Kellogg’s and Post in a US$15 billion breakfast category increasingly swayed by health-conscious millennials feeding the next generation.
General Mills names Jonathan Ness Chief Supply Chain Officer
General Mills has named Jonathan Ness as Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective March 16, 2026.
He will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening, join the company’s Senior Leadership Team, and be accountable for the company’s global supply chain operations.
Ness has served as interim chief supply chain officer since late January and, in his nearly 20 years at General Mills, has held leadership roles across Supply Chain Strategy, Global Finance, Manufacturing, Procurement and Transformation. Before joining General Mills, Ness was an officer in the United States Air Force, specializing in procurement.
Ness graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in public administration.
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