Kraft Heinz revealed on Tuesday its commitment to removing FD&C artificial dyes from its products by the end of 2027. Additionally, the company stated that it will cease launching any new products in the U.S. that contain these ingredients.

The decision comes as about 10% of Kraft Heinz's U.S. items currently utilize FD&C colors, which are synthetic additives used to enhance the visual appeal of various foods. Brands under Kraft Heinz that currently feature products with these dyes include Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, MiO, Jell-O, and Jet-Puffed.

In 2016, the company eliminated artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors from its Kraft macaroni and cheese. Furthermore, Heinz ketchup has never incorporated artificial dyes. Pedro Navio, North America president at Kraft Heinz, highlighted that while the move could potentially position the products as healthier options, there may also be concerns about consumer appeal due to the absence of vibrant colors.

This decision aligns with the pressure exerted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, spearheaded by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the food industry to reduce the use of artificial dyes as part of a broader initiative called Make America Healthy Again.

The FDA recently unveiled a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of the upcoming year and replace them with natural alternatives. Among the dyes set to be eliminated are Red No. 3, red dye 40, yellow dye 5, yellow dye 6, blue dye 1, blue dye 2, and green dye 2, as announced by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

Kennedy emphasized that there is an informal understanding between the FDA and the food industry, rather than a formal agreement, to eliminate artificial dyes. The Health and Human Services secretary discussed this matter during a meeting in March with key food executives from companies such as Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo North America, General Mills, WK Kellogg, Tyson Foods, J.M. Smucker, and the Consumer Brands Association.

A spokesperson from Kraft Heinz expressed the company's eagerness to collaborate with the administration to deliver high-quality, affordable, and nutritious food to consumers. Over the past five years, Kraft Heinz has made over 1,000 recipe modifications to enhance product nutrition.

Before the current administration took office, the FDA had already banned the use of Red No. 3 dye in food and ingested drugs due to its potential carcinogenic effects on laboratory animals. Despite being permitted for use by food manufacturers for an extended period, California had already prohibited the dye in 2023.

Kraft Heinz emphasized in its recent announcement that the majority of its products utilize natural or no colors, and the company has been actively working to reduce the use of FD&C colors across its remaining product portfolio. Navio reiterated the company's dedication to offering nutritious, budget-friendly, and delicious food options to Americans.