They are going clean.
Kraft Heinz announced on June 17 that it will stop launching new products containing artificial colors in the United States and plans to remove synthetic dyes from its existing products by the end of 2027. The company stated that nearly 90% of its U.S. product sales already exclude food, drug, and cosmetic (FD&C) colors. For the remaining items, Kraft Heinz intends to eliminate non-essential artificial colors, replace them with natural alternatives, or develop new color options when natural substitutes aren’t available.
This decision comes after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for the phase-out of petroleum-based synthetic dyes from food. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized these additives as harmful chemicals that provide no nutritional value and negatively affect children’s health. The FDA commissioner, Marty Makary, urged food manufacturers to follow the example of Europe and Canada by replacing artificial colors with natural ingredients, highlighting rising concerns about childhood obesity, diabetes, depression, and ADHD.
Kraft Heinz defended its prior use of FD&C colors by noting the longstanding FDA approval of these additives. Pedro Navio, President of Kraft Heinz North America, pointed out that many of the company’s products already avoid artificial dyes—for example, Kraft Mac & Cheese removed such additives in 2016, and Heinz Tomato Ketchup’s red color comes naturally from tomatoes. Navio emphasized the company’s commitment to providing nutritious, affordable, and tasty food to consumers.
Following the HHS announcement, other major companies like WK Kellogg, Tyson Foods, and Sam’s Club also revealed plans to phase out artificial food dyes. The Consumer Brands Association, representing food manufacturers, stressed that these colors have been rigorously tested and deemed safe. They called for coordinated regulatory standards nationwide to avoid confusion, limit costs, and foster innovation.
The International Association of Color Manufacturers (IACM), representing the color additives industry, countered that synthetic colors are approved and used globally, including in Europe. The IACM warned that the proposed timeline to reformulate products by 2026 overlooks scientific complexities and could cause supply chain disruptions, affecting the availability of familiar, affordable foods. Meanwhile, the HHS plans to revoke approval for certain synthetic dyes within months and phase out others by the end of 2026, while introducing new natural color additives. The FDA has partnered with the National Institutes of Health to study how food additives impact children’s health. Officials have indicated ongoing dialogue with the food industry, aiming for a cooperative approach to the transition.
