ABA companies aim to cut some synthetic colors
This initiative adds to the org's previous baked goods pledge.
The American Bakers Association (ABA) recently announced its new "Baked Goods FD&C Colors Pledge,” a voluntary industry commitment to eliminate certified FD&C colors from baked goods across the U.S.
This initiative builds on the momentum begun by ABA’s August 2025 “Baked Goods in Schools Pledge,” a voluntary commitment to removing certified FD&C colors from baked goods served in K-12 schools by the start of the 2026-27 school year. With this new and expansive pledge, ABA and its member companies are proactively taking the next step to extend their commitment from the classroom to every American who enjoys baked goods. More than 90% of ABA member companies have already committed to eliminating certified FD&C colors by December 31, 2028. The “Baked Goods in FD&C Colors Pledge” continues to advance the significant progress achieved by the commercial baking industry to date and underscores the proactive efforts of ABA members to raise the bar beyond existing regulatory requirements as they continue to serve all communities nationwide, ABA says.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our industry’s commitment to serve Americans by formalizing a date to remove certified FD&C colors from our nation’s baked goods,” says Eric Dell, ABA president and CEO. “By uniting around this pledge, our members are building on their progress in this space, going beyond what’s required and responding to evolving consumer desires.”
The Baked Goods FD&C Colors Pledge reflects the baking industry’s ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality baked goods that honor tradition, nourish communities, and bring Americans together, ABA says.
ABA will continue to work closely with member companies to meet the December 2028 deadline.
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