Kraft Heinz Co (NASDAQ:KHC, ETR:KHNZ) said on Tuesday it will eliminate artificial food dyes from all US products by the end of 2027, becoming one of the first major packaged food companies to commit to a full phaseout of synthetic coloring amid growing scrutiny from consumers and US regulators.
The decision comes as the US Department of Health and Human Services, under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, ramps up pressure on the food industry to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which have been linked to potential health risks.
In recent months, Kennedy has warned food manufacturers to act preemptively or face federal action.
"The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of [artificial] colors across the remainder of our portfolio,” said Pedro Navio, Kraft Heinz’s North America president, in a statement.
The company, known for brands like Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz ketchup, Jell-O, and Capri-Sun, also pledged not to introduce any new US products containing synthetic dyes.
Synthetic dyes such as Red No. 3—banned by the FDA earlier this year—have long been used to enhance visual appeal, particularly in foods marketed to children. But federal and state regulators are increasingly moving to restrict their use. California, Virginia and West Virginia have already enacted bans, and legislation is pending in more than 25 other states, according to the Environmental Working Group.