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Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday (June 17) that it will remove FD&C artificial dyes from its products sold in the United States by the end of 2027. The company also stated that it will not introduce any new products containing these dyes. Currently, about 10% of Kraft Heinz's U.S. products, primarily in the beverage and dessert categories like Kool-Aid, Jell-O, and Crystal Light, still contain synthetic dyes.
The decision comes after U.S. health officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urged food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors. Kennedy emphasized the goal of eliminating harmful ingredients and additives from food. According to NPR, Kraft Heinz's North America President, Pedro Navio, stated that the company has been on a journey to reduce the use of FD&C colors across its portfolio.
Kraft Heinz is not alone in this shift. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes, citing studies that link them to neurobehavioral problems in children. However, the FDA maintains that the approved dyes are safe for most children.
Kraft Heinz's move aligns with a broader trend in the food industry to use natural colors, which can be derived from sources like beets, algae, and purple sweet potatoes. The company has already removed artificial colors from its macaroni and cheese and has never used them in its ketchup. This transition to natural dyes, while more complex and costly, reflects a growing consumer demand for cleaner food ingredients.
General Mills Removing Artificial Colors
(Minneapolis, MN) -- General Mills says it's removing artificial colors from all its U.S. products. The Cheerios maker says it will remove the colors from its entire portfolio by the end of 2027. Synthetic food dye in cereals and food sold in schools will be removed by next summer. The announcement comes as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushes the food industry to move away from using artificial dyes. Heinz also announced Tuesday it's removing synthetic dyes from its products.