Latest news with #&C


New York Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
JM Smucker becomes latest food manufacturer to remove artificial colors from popular brands
The J.M. Smucker Co. joined a growing list of food giants that are pledging to eliminate FD&C artificial dyes from its products within the next two years, aligning with the Trump administration's goals of removing artificial colors from the nation's food supply. Smucker's said this commitment, announced Friday, will affect its sugar-free fruit spreads and ice cream toppings as well as certain products from its Hostess brand portfolio. The company also said it's working with its distribution partners to no longer sell products with FD&C colors to K-12 schools by the 2026 – 2027 school year. Smucker's, whose family of brands includes Folgers, Dunkin', Café Bustelo, Jif, Uncrustables, Smucker's and Hostess, said most of its consumer foods are already free of FD&C colors, including a majority of its products currently available to K-12 schools. The company has previously removed high-fructose corn syrup from its Uncrustables sandwiches and introduced fruit spreads featuring ingredients from all natural sources as well as reduced sugar options. 'Our commitment to remove FD&C colors from our sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and sweet baked goods products represents the latest example of our desire to evolve and our ability to continue to innovate to deliver on the expectations of our consumers,' J.M. Smucker CEO Mark Smucker said. The artifical dyes are known as FD&C colors and labeled as such on packages because the color additive is approved by the FDA for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. 3 The J.M. Smucker Co. is the latest food giant to remove artificial dyes from its products. Bloomberg News They are subject to a strict system of approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Last week, General Mills and Kraft Heinz issued their own commitments to remove all artificial dyes from their respective U.S. portfolios by the end of 2027. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said during an April 24 conference call that the company will reduce artificial ingredients and has already begun doing so, while McCormick, which manufactures and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavoring products, told analysts during its earnings call in March that it has been working with restaurants and foodmakers to reformulate products to remove certain ingredients like food dyes. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to launch a stronger review process for food chemicals already on the market to ensure the nation's food supply is more transparent and ensure the safety of chemicals in food. 3 Sugar-free fruit spreads and ice cream toppings will be affected, though certain dyes in other products will still be in use, approved by the FDA. AP Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously said that 'some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent' for too long. He also claimed that these 'poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development.' Kennedy and the FDA announced in April a series of new measures to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. 3 The company plans to remove the dyes from its products within the next two years. Getty Images Kennedy noted that this effort would need voluntary support from food manufacturers, but that the 'industry has voluntarily agreed' to do so. The FDA has approved seven certified color additives for use in food, six of which were approved by 1931. Now, it's working with the industry to eliminate FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Blue No. 2 from the food supply by 2027. The FDA in January revoked the authorization for the use of Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, in food and ingested drugs over concerns that it has been shown to cause cancer in animals.


Economic Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Trump administration's MAHA initiative making your kitchen healthier
Major food giants commit to cleaner ingredients General Mills announced that 85% of its U.S. portfolio is already free of FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act-approved) artificial dyes, with plans to remove the remaining dyes by 2027. Their cereals, including well-known brands like Lucky Charms and Trix, will be reformulated by summer 2026. Kraft Heinz targets beverages and desserts, including brands like Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O, which currently contain artificial dyes. The company also confirmed it will not launch new U.S. products containing these dyes. PepsiCo aims to remove artificial colors from snack brands such as Lay's and Tostitos by the end of this year. In-N-Out Burger has replaced artificial colors with natural ingredients like turmeric and beta-carotene in several menu items and is working on healthier ingredient swaps for ketchup and fries. Why the push? The health risks of artificial dyes Live Events Provide no nutritional benefit. Pose measurable risks to children's health and development. Have been included in foods without consumers' knowledge or consent. (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Trump administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative is driving a transformation in the U.S. food industry by targeting harmful artificial dyes and chemicals commonly found in popular products. This unprecedented government-industry collaboration has already secured commitments from major food companies to reformulate iconic brands, removing synthetic colors linked to health risks, especially in nearly 70% of American children's calories coming from ultra-processed foods laden with these additives, MAHA aims to reduce chronic diseases like obesity , diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders by making everyday foods safer and more a result, kitchens across the country are poised to become healthier, reflecting a bold new era of food transparency and public health a landmark push aligned with MAHA's goals, food industry leaders like General Mills and Kraft Heinz have pledged to eliminate all artificial colors from their U.S. product lines by the end of 2027. These commitments follow earlier moves by companies such as PepsiCo , McCormick, and fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger and Steak 'n Shake, which have already begun removing synthetic dyes and replacing them with natural and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a key proponent of the MAHA initiative, has been vocal about the dangers of petroleum-based artificial colors. He argues these compounds:The FDA has responded by intensifying its review of food chemicals and announcing plans to phase out several synthetic dyes, including FD&C Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and others by the end of next year. The agency revoked authorization for Red No. 3 earlier this year due to cancer concerns observed in animal reformulation trend not only benefits public health but also aligns with growing consumer demand for transparency and cleaner labels. Surveys show that a majority of Americans prefer foods with natural ingredients and fewer synthetic additives.


New York Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
RFK Jr. says Starbucks will ‘MAHA its menu' — and praises chain for avoiding artificial dyes and flavors
Starbucks' top executive has agreed to further align its menu with the Trump administration's health goals under its 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been examining the nation's food system to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease, said in a post on X that he met with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol on Tuesday, who 'shared the company's plans to further MAHA its menu.' During the discussion, Kennedy said he was 'pleased to learn that Starbucks' food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives.' Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. The company, which announced earlier this year that it was cutting 30% of its menu in order to simplify operations and drive innovation, has already been testing healthier drink options such as a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam. 3 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol. X/@SecKennedy 3 Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. Bloomberg via Getty Images 'Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empower customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories, and more. Plus, we keep it real — no high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, flavors, or artificial trans-fats,' Starbucks said in a statement to FOX Business. Under the MAHA initiative, the administration said it would 'lead a coordinated transformation of our food, health, and scientific systems' that it believes will 'ensure that all Americans — today and in the future — live longer, healthier lives, supported by systems that prioritize prevention, well being, and resilience.' 3 Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. NurPhoto via Getty Images Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. Kennedy has specifically been working to cut out the color additives from the U.S. food supply, saying the 'poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development.' Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Kennedy and the FDA announced a series of new measures in April to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. Kennedy noted that this effort would need voluntary support from food manufacturers, but that the 'industry has voluntarily agreed' to do so. Two major food giants, General Mills and Kraft Heinz, pledged this week to remove FD&C artificial dyes from their respective portfolio of products within the next two years. McCormick told analysts during its earnings call in March that it has been working with restaurants and foodmakers to reformulate products to remove certain ingredients like food dyes.


New York Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Starbucks will improve menu to fit ‘MAHA' initiative, RFK Jr. says
Starbucks' top executive has agreed to further align its menu with the Trump administration's health goals under its 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been examining the nation's food system to address the root causes of childhood chronic disease, said in a post on X that he met with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol on Tuesday, who 'shared the company's plans to further MAHA its menu.' Advertisement During the discussion, Kennedy said he was 'pleased to learn that Starbucks' food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives.' Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. The company, which announced earlier this year that it was cutting 30% of its menu in order to simplify operations and drive innovation, has already been testing healthier drink options such as a sugar-free vanilla latte topped with protein banana cold foam. 3 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol. X/@SecKennedy 3 Starbucks said the meeting with Kennedy was productive. Bloomberg via Getty Images Advertisement 'Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empower customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories, and more. Plus, we keep it real—no high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, flavors, or artificial trans-fats,' Starbucks said in a statement to FOX Business. Under the MAHA initiative, the administration said it would 'lead a coordinated transformation of our food, health, and scientific systems' that it believes will 'ensure that all Americans—today and in the future—live longer, healthier lives, supported by systems that prioritize prevention, well being, and resilience.' 3 Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. NurPhoto via Getty Images Kennedy has taken issue with various ingredients, saying that products such as seed oil and FD&C color additives are harmful to humans. Advertisement Kennedy has specifically been working to cut out the color additives from the U.S. food supply, saying the 'poisonous compounds offer no nutritional benefit and pose real, measurable dangers to our children's health and development.' Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Kennedy and the FDA announced a series of new measures in April to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. Kennedy noted that this effort would need voluntary support from food manufacturers, but that the 'industry has voluntarily agreed' to do so. Advertisement Two major food giants, General Mills and Kraft Heinz, pledged this week to remove FD&C artificial dyes from their respective portfolio of products within the next two years. McCormick told analysts during its earnings call in March that it has been working with restaurants and foodmakers to reformulate products to remove certain ingredients like food dyes.


Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kraft Heinz pulling artificial dyes from its US products in 2027
Kraft Heinz will be pulling 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 US health officials said that they would urge foodmakers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation's food supply. Kraft Heinz said Tuesday that almost 90 per cent of its US 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 US Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs and cosmetics. Kraft Heinz said that many of its US 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. "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. 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 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." 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 US 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. Many US 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.>