The American Bakers Association (ABA) has announced its “Baked Goods in Schools Pledge,” a voluntary industry commitment to eliminate the use of certified FD&C colors in all baked goods provided to K–12 schools through the National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Competitive Foods Programs by the beginning of the 2026–27 school year.

The pledge builds on significant progress already achieved by the commercial baking industry. Nearly 83% of ABA member companies providing baked goods to schools have already removed certified FD&C colors, and another 13% have committed to the pledge. As a result, at least 96% of ABA member companies serving schools will be positioned to provide baked goods free of certified FD&C colors by the 2026–27 school year.

“Today’s announcement reinforces our industry’s commitment to being a partner to schools and families nationwide by continuing to remove certified FD&C colors from the baked products in our nation’s schools,” says Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “By uniting around this pledge, our members are going beyond what’s required and responding to evolving consumer expectations.”

ABA will work closely with member companies to support a smooth transition by the start of the 2026–27 school year.