NEW YORK, March 11 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told food companies including PepsiCo ( PEP )

and Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) 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.

Kennedy has pledged to tackle chronic illnesses by

overhauling the U.S. diet. He has encouraged fast-food chains to

switch to beef tallow instead of seed oils for French fries, and

pushed for bans on additives like food colors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, part of the agency

Kennedy oversees, plans to work with the industry to create a

federal framework on food dyes, according to the email, sent by

the Consumer Brands Association, a trade group representing

PepsiCo ( PEP ), Kraft Heinz ( KHC ) and other food and consumer goods makers.

California last year banned dyes from food served in school

lunches, and Virginia and New York State are considering similar

measures.

Bloomberg News first reported on the discussion between

Kennedy and the food companies.

According to the email, the FDA wants to "avoid state

patchworks," or many states making their own laws on the topic,

which could create confusion and hurdles for global companies.

Kennedy "expects 'real and transformative' change by

'getting the worst ingredients out' of food," according to the

email. He also made clear that he will "take action unless the

industry is willing to be proactive with solutions," the email

states.

Consumer Brands Association CEO Melissa Hockstad said in a

statement that the group looks forward to continuing to work

with Kennedy.

A PepsiCo ( PEP ) spokesperson said the Cheetos-maker was focused on

"providing consumers with convenient, affordable and safe foods

and drinks - including more options with natural ingredients, no

synthetic colors and reductions in sugar, fat, and sodium."

Kraft-Heinz ( KHC ) did not respond to a request for comment.