Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday its commitment to eliminate artificial dyes and food, drug, and cosmetics (FD&C) colors from its products.
The company stated that around 90% of its offerings currently do not contain FD&C colors. In a press release, Kraft Heinz noted that for the small percentage of products still utilizing these colors, significant resources have been allocated to address the challenge with a comprehensive three-pronged approach.
Pedro Navio, the North American President, expressed that the company is continually working to improve its recipes and product lines to benefit consumers. He emphasized that most products either have no color or use natural alternatives, and he is dedicated to phasing out artificial colors across the entire range.
Navio also mentioned previous efforts, recalling how in 2016, Kraft removed artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors from Kraft Mac & Cheese. He highlighted that Heinz ketchup is free from artificial dyes, with the red color sourced purely from high-quality tomatoes. The focus, he stated, remains on providing American consumers with nutritious, affordable, and appealing food options.
Products affected by this decision include Jell-O’s Red 40 and Yellow 5, Kool-Aid, and some lunch items. This announcement comes in the wake of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s earlier advocacy for the removal of artificial dyes from food products.
Kennedy addressed food industry leaders in a closed meeting, stressing the importance of eliminating these additives.
In a subsequent development, FDA Commissioner Marty McCurry indicated plans to phase out oil-based food dyes. He underscored the agency’s steps toward cleaner regulations, emphasizing concerns over synthetic dyes and their link to various health issues, including ADHD and other chronic conditions.
The FDA’s April news release outlined specific measures, such as setting standards for transitioning to natural alternatives and expediting the removal of certain synthetic dyes from the market.
