Introduction to Kraft Heinz’s Decision
Kraft Heinz will be pulling certain artificial dyes from its U.S. products starting in 2027 and will no longer roll out new products with the dyes. The move comes nearly two months after U.S. health officials said that they would urge foodmakers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply.
Current Use of Artificial Dyes
Kraft Heinz said Tuesday that almost 90% of its U.S. products already don’t contain food, drug & cosmetic colors, but that the products that do still use the dyes will have them removed by the end of 2027. FD&C colors are synthetic additives that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs and cosmetics.
Products Affected by the Change
Kraft Heinz said that many of its U.S. products that still use the FD&C colors are in its beverage and desserts categories, including certain products sold under brands including Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Jell-O and Jet Puffed. The company said that it will instead use natural colors for the products.
Reasoning Behind the Decision
“The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” Pedro Navio, North America President at Kraft Heinz, said in a statement. Kraft Heinz stripped artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from its macaroni and cheese in 2016 and said it has never used artificial dyes in its ketchup.
Collaboration with Licensees
The company plans to work with licensees of its brands to encourage them to remove the dyes. In April Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference that the agency would take steps to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry.
Health Concerns Associated with Artificial Dyes
Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.”
FDA Regulations and International Comparisons
The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats. Artificial dyes are used widely in U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers mostly use natural substitutes. Several states, including California and West Virginia, have passed laws restricting the use of artificial colors in foods.
Alternative Natural Colors
Many U.S. food companies are already reformulating their foods, according to Sensient Colors, one of the world’s largest producers of food dyes and flavorings. In place of synthetic dyes, foodmakers can use natural hues made from beets, algae and crushed insects and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes and red cabbage.
Conclusion
Kraft Heinz’s decision to remove artificial dyes from its U.S. products is a significant step towards a safer and more natural food supply. The move is expected to have a positive impact on public health, particularly for children who are more susceptible to the potential negative effects of artificial dyes.
FAQs
Q: Why is Kraft Heinz removing artificial dyes from its products?
A: Kraft Heinz is removing artificial dyes from its products due to health concerns and regulatory pressure. The company wants to provide safer and more natural products to its customers.
Q: What products will be affected by the change?
A: The products that will be affected by the change are those in the beverage and desserts categories, including certain products sold under brands such as Crystal Light, Kool Aid, Jell-O and Jet Puffed.
Q: What natural colors will Kraft Heinz use instead of artificial dyes?
A: Kraft Heinz will use natural hues made from beets, algae and crushed insects and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes and red cabbage.
Q: Is the FDA banning all artificial dyes?
A: The FDA is not banning all artificial dyes, but it is taking steps to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026. The agency has already announced that the dye known as Red 3 will be banned in food by 2027.
Q: Are artificial dyes used in foods in other countries?
A: Artificial dyes are used less frequently in foods in Canada and Europe, where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels. Manufacturers in these countries mostly use natural substitutes.
