Major players in the snack industry such as Lays and Tostitos are committing to abandon the use of artificial dyes by the end of this calendar year. This step aligns with the latest strategy implemented by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to gradually eliminate the use of petroleum-based synthetic colors.
In a recent earnings report on April 24, the CEO of PepsiCo, Ramon Laguarta, addressed this shift. Laguarta disclosed that the changeover process has already begun. Additionally, he confirmed that a significant proportion of PepsiCo’s brands would also align with this new approach.
As it currently stands, over 60 percent of PepsiCo’s operations already refrain from using synthetic colors as of now. Laguarta expressed confidence that PepsiCo will maintain their market leadership position amid evolving consumer preferences for more naturally sourced ingredients, just as they have successfully navigated previous trends in reducing sodium, sugar, and adopting healthier fats.
Looking forward into the firm’s future plans, Laguarta illustrated a world where all of PepsiCo’s products – including fan favorites like Doritos and Cheetos – would incorporate natural food dyes. At the very least, consumers would be given the choice to select products created with natural colorings.
The push for a total substitution of petroleum-based synthetic colorings comes post the appointment of RFK Jr. as health secretary in February, receiving support from both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
On April 22, while making an official announcement, Kennedy criticized food manufacturers for withholding information from consumers regarding the use of petroleum-derived chemicals, asserting the need for such practices to cease.
Per the FDA, artificial colorings are typically employed to compensate for color depletion caused by exposure to various factors such as light, air, extreme temperatures, moisture, storage environments, and to address any natural inconsistencies in color. Furthermore, they are used to amplify naturally existing colors, add vibrancy to colorless foods, and to create visually appealing ‘fun’ food items.
Now, however, the FDA is advocating for food companies to switch from petroleum-based dyes to those derived from natural sources. There is a slated timeline for the gradual phasing out of these specific synthetic dyes by the end of 2026: 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.
In addition, within the forthcoming months, further steps will be taken to revoke the permissions granted for the usage of Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B dyes.
The post Snack Giants Lays and Tostitos Ditching Artificial Dyes by Year’s End appeared first on Real News Now.
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