Huntingburg dairy farmer included in USDA announcement regarding artificial food dyes in ice cream

While scooping ice cream on the steps of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Headquarters, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins congratulated the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) on the dairy industry’s commitment to eliminate artificial food dyes from their ice creams.

Secretary Rollins was joined by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Food and Drug Administrator Dr. Marty Makary for the IDFA announcement outside the USDA on Monday, July 14.

This is a voluntary, proactive pledge to eliminate the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 from ice cream and other frozen dairy desserts by 2028.

Sam Schwoeppe, a dairy farmer from Huntingburg who also serves on the Board of Directors for Prairie Farms Dairy Cooperative and the American Dairy Association of Indiana, spoke at the event announcing the removal of food dyes. During her remarks, Schwoeppe highlighted the significance of ice cream for farming families.

“Ice cream isn’t just a treat for us – it’s our livelihood. It’s how we support our families and contribute to our communities,” she explained.

She emphasized the nutritional value of milk and dairy products, referencing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. “Milk is packed with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and protein – all of which are crucial for public health,” Schwoeppe noted.

She shared a personal story about a foster child in her family who thrived on regular meals that included dairy products. “After a month of eating well, with plenty of whole milk and dairy – and of course, our weekend ice cream parties – he transformed into a lively, freckle-faced redhead,” Schweppe recalled fondly.

Schwoeppe made a case for ice cream as a better sweet treat option compared to candy or soda. “Ice cream is nutrient-rich, made from real, wholesome milk, and delivers a powerful nutritional punch,” she explained.

“We at Prairie Farms are pleased to join this commitment along with dozens of other ice cream makers and dairy farmers across the United States of America,” Schwoeppe concluded, inviting everyone to “make sweet great again and enjoy some ice cream.”

Here is the full announcement.