By the end of the current year, well-known snack manufacturers such as Lays and Tostitos are committed to ceasing the use of artificial coloring in their products. This major shift comes in response to the latest initiative enforced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., targeting to gradually eliminate the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes.
In a recent earnings call on April 24th, Ramon Laguarta, the CEO of PepsiCo, publicized that the process of transitioning is well set in motion. Even more notable is the fact that over 60% of the company’s product range no longer incorporates artificial colors as of the present date.
Laguarta confidently forecasts that PepsiCo will pioneer the greatly anticipated consumer inclination towards more organic ingredients. This is in line with the company’s previous successful initiatives towards reducing sugar and sodium content as well as improving the quality of fats in their products.
Peering into the forthcoming years, PepsiCo projects transitioning its entire portfolio, which encompasses popular snack brands Doritos and Cheetos, to incorporate natural coloring. Alternatively, at the very least, the customers would be given the option of selecting products imbued with organic colors.
These influential steps follow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to phase out all petroleum-based artificial colors. This policy shift came to effect after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took office as the Health Secretary in February.
On April 22nd, during his announcement speech, Secretary Kennedy voiced serious criticism towards food producers. He accused them of supplying products with petroleum-based components to American consumers, without obtaining their informed consent or even making them privy to this information. This, he suggested, has been going on for far too long.
The FDA gives the rationale that synthetic dyes serve various purposes in food processing. These include offsetting color loss which might occur due to being exposed to varied conditions such as light, air, extreme temperatures, and moisture, during storage.
Artificial colors also help to rectify natural color variations, intensify naturally occurring colors, and infuse appealing colors into otherwise colorless or ‘fun’ foods.
However, in a recent direction, the FDA is urging food companies to substitute these synthetic, petrochemical dyes with naturally available ingredients. This will contribute to a healthier food environment as well as respond to consumers’ demand for more recycled and efficient resources.
To this effect, there are a number of specific dyes that have been marked for phase-out by the conclusion of 2026. These entail 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 an added move, the imminent future will also see the FDA discontinue authorizing the use of Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, with plans to withdraw these from the list of permissible food colorants.
This evolution towards natural colors represents a significant shift in focus for food companies. It demonstrates a growing commitment to consumer health and catering to a market that is increasingly conscious of the ingredients used in their food.
Altogether, this gradual revolution in the food industry, led by influential brands like PepsiCo, underlines a cooperative effort and a shared responsibility towards promoting healthier and more natural food choices.
The post Snack Giants Shift to Natural Coloring Amid Health Initiative appeared first on Real News Now.
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