U.S. Food Overhaul Under ‘MAHA’ Could Improve Quality for Tourists and Locals in TCI & Bahamas

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

July 19, 2025 – A major shift is underway in America that could directly enhance the food quality of staples imported to the Turks & Caicos Islands and The Bahamas.  Under the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative—a joint effort by President Trump and Health Secretary RFK Jr.—dozens of major U.S. food brands are pledging to remove synthetic dyes and harmful additives from their products.

Among the most notable changes, ice-cream manufacturers responsible for over 90% of U.S. sales have agreed to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colours (including Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5) by 2028.  This is part of a broader wave: PepsiCo, In‑N‑Out, Nestlé, Kraft‑Heinz, Tyson Foods, and General Mills are all steering away from synthetic dyes and additives.

MAHA centers on reducing ultra-processed foods, artificial ingredients, and dietary chemicals linked to chronic health issues, particularly in children. The movement also targets high fructose corn syrup and emphasizes whole-food nutrition.

Why does this matter here? Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas import nearly all their food from the U.S. and follow American food safety standards. These ingredient changes mean future shipments—from cereals to frozen desserts—will contain fewer artificial ingredients.

Local nutritionists and public health officials see long-term benefits. “Cleaner imported food directly supports our goal of better overall health and preventing diet-related diseases,” said a regional health officer. “It’s a promising shift for our islands.”

But there’s a catch: these reforms are voluntary. Critics point out MAHA relies on peer pressure and promises, not binding regulations. Plus, while removing dyes is a strong first step, concerns remain about sugar, saturated fats, and bottled vs. real ingredients in U.S. exports.

Local Takeaway: Expect cleaner labels on imported U.S. goods by 2028—starting with ice cream, cereals, snacks; this aligns with efforts in TCI & Bahamas to improve nutritional standards and public health outcomes and it is vital to note, that the long-term impact will depend on enforcement, transparency, and maintaining momentum beyond dye removal.

Here are the commitments listed by the White House:

• Steak & Shake moved to 100% all-natural beef tallow and replaced its “buttery blend,” which contained seed oils, with 100% Grade A Wisconsin butter.
• McCormick announced it will drop certain food dyes from its products.
• PepsiCo announced it will remove artificial ingredients from popular food items — including Lay’s and Tostitos chips — by the end of the year.
• In-N-Out announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and artificial flavors from its menu items.
• Tyson Foods eliminated synthetic dyes in its food products.
• Mars removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles product.
• Sam’s Club committed to removing 40 harmful ingredients — including artificial colors, additives, dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup — from its private-label products.
• Kraft-Heinz announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products.
• General Mills announced it will remove artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and all foods served in K-12 schools.
• Nestlé announced it will remove all petroleum-based food dyes from its food and beverage products.
• Conagra Foods announced it will remove certain color additives from its frozen products, no longer offer products with artificial dyes in K-12 schools, and stop using artificial dyes in the manufacturing of its products.
• JM Smucker announced it will remove synthetic colors from its consumer food products.
• Hershey announced it will remove synthetic dyes from its snacks.
• Consumer Brands announced it will urge its members to remove artificial colors in food and beverage products served in schools.

In short: an American health initiative may soon ripple into Caribbean kitchens—bringing small changes with potentially big health benefits.