Mr. Kennedy told executives of major food companies that he wants synthetic colors removed from their products. “Decision time is imminent,” a trade group warned its members.

Kennedy Jr. told food companies including PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz in a meeting on Monday that the Trump administration wants artificial dyes out of the food supply before Kennedy leaves office, according to an email seen by Reuters.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on top executives from Kraft Heinz Co., General Mills Inc. and other food companies to remove artificial dyes before the end of his term.