Kraft Heinz commits to phasing out synthetic colorants from food items within a span of two years.
Kraft Heinz to Phase Out Synthetic Food Dyes
In a groundbreaking move, Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday that it will be ditching artificial food dyes from its products over the next two years. Around 10% of the company's current product line uses FD&C color additives, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and include popular brands like Crystal Light, Jell-O, and Kool Aid.
Pedro Navio, North America president at Kraft Heinz, declares, "As a company with a 150+ year heritage, we are constantly evolving, aiming to deliver superiority to both consumers and customers." He emphasized that the "vast majority of our products use natural or no colors," and the company has been focusing on reducing its use of FD&C colors across its entire portfolio.
The push for change comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a plan in April to start phasing out certain synthetic food dyes from the American food supply. The FDA is looking to revoke authorization for two synthetic food colorings and work with the food industry to eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes used in various food products.
While Kellogg's and other companies assert that their products are safe and adhere to FDA standards, a significant number of companies, including PepsiCo and In-N-Out, have begun phasing out artificial food dyes from their offerings.
The debate surrounding synthetic food dyes continues, with some studies linking these dyes to behavioural changes in children and cancer in animals. Yet, other nutrition experts argue that more research is needed to understand the potential negative effects thoroughly.
In light of these developments, it appears that the era of artificial food dyes is coming to an end, with companies like Kraft Heinz taking the lead in the transition to more natural alternatives. The exact synthetic dyes targeted for phase-out remain undefined, but they are likely to fall within the group of petroleum-based, synthetic food colorings commonly used in U.S. foods.
Kraft Heinz's decision to phase out synthetic food dyes signifies a significant shift towards health and wellness, as natural alternatives become more sought-after in the lifestyle and food-and-drink sectors. This move aligns with the medical-conditions and nutrition concerns raised by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is advocating for the removal of certain synthetic food dyes. Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts, concerned with overall health, applaud the move as they integrate a balanced diet and natural food choices into their lifestyle. The elimination of synthetics from popular brands like Crystal Light, Jell-O, and Kool Aid signals a broader industry trend, with companies like Kellogg's and PepsiCo following suit, promoting healthier food and drink options for consumers.
