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• Kraft Heinz has committed to removing all synthetic dyes from its products by the end of 2027 and will not launch any new foods with these dyes.
• This makes Kraft Heinz the first major food company to officially pledge to phase out the use of Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously called for a “voluntary” commitment from food manufacturers to eliminate synthetic dyes from the U.S. food system.
• Kraft Heinz will form a team to manage the removal of these colors, with some being replaced by natural dyes.
• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted concerns about synthetic dyes, citing research that links them to behavioral issues in children, including an increased risk for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Other companies, like PepsiCo, have also made moves, with brands like Lay’s and Tostitos planning to be free of artificial colors by the end of this year.
• Some in the food industry have raised concerns about the challenges of removing synthetic dyes, including potential disruptions to supply chains, recipe changes, manufacturing process adjustments, and increased costs.