Kraft Heinz to Eliminate Synthetic Dyes by 2027
Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday that it plans to phase out synthetic dyes from its products sold in the U.S. by 2027. The company has committed to not introducing any new items that include these controversial additives.
This move follows growing pressure from health advocates, including health and welfare secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as part of a wider initiative to combat chronic illnesses and obesity in the country.
About 10% of Kraft Heinz products, such as Kool-Aid, Mio, Jell-O, and Jet Puffs, currently contain synthetic dyes.
The company stated that these dyes will either be completely removed or replaced with natural alternatives. “Most of our products already use natural colors, and we’re on a path to minimize FD&C color use across the board,” they noted.
Back in 2016, Kraft Heinz removed artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors from its Kraft Mac & Cheese, according to a company spokesperson.
Interestingly, Heinz ketchup has never included artificial dyes, they pointed out.
Kraft Heinz is collaborating with the brand’s licensee to reduce the use of artificial colors further.
Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign pushed the FDA in April to announce plans for phasing out certain artificial dyes, which include a range of colors associated with various products.
Earlier this year, under the Biden administration, the FDA banned red dyes in food and drugs after studies indicated potential cancer risks in laboratory rats.
Numerous studies have suggested links between specific food dyes and behavioral issues in children; however, the FDA’s advisory committee has yet to establish any direct causal relationship.
“These toxic compounds don’t offer any nutritional value and pose significant risks to children’s health,” Kennedy remarked in April.
The FDA did not provide details regarding its relationship with the food industry in this initiative, while Kennedy mentioned that companies had “voluntarily agreed” to the changes.
In discussions with leaders from various companies, including Kraft Heinz and Pepsico, Kennedy has been advocating for the reduction of artificial dyes.
Public sentiment has increasingly turned against these dyes due to escalating health concerns. Protests have taken place, notably outside WK Kellogg’s headquarters, concerning their use in cereals like Froot Loops and Applejacks.
While WK Kellogg’s has not used red dyes for many years, they are updating their school cereal offerings, expecting to implement these changes by the 2026-27 academic year. A company representative stated, “We’re eager to partner with Health and Human Services and the FDA to find effective ways to remove FD&C colors from our limited selection of products.”
