Food giant planning major change to its ingredients list
The company, known for its frozen foods, soups, and condiments, has announced a big change to proceedings
Brits are extremely fond of their food. From fish and chips to bangers and mash, our hearty grub is famous all across the world and a lot of the time, is accompanied by a good condiment, whether it's ketchup, mayo, or brown sauce.
In fact, those fond of a creamy dip or a salad dressing might want to pay attention, as one of the world's largest food companies is planning a big change to its ingredient list across the Atlantic.
Kraft Heinz has announced it will stop using artificial dyes in all US products by the end of 2027. The company also said it won't use any synthetic colours in new products going forward, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Artificial dyes, like Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and 2 and Green 3, are used in everything from sweets and frosting to pie crusts. They are used to make foods look more appealing or bring back colour that was lost during processing.
But many health experts, including those in the US Government, are now rallying against them.
In April, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) vowed to work with food companies to get rid of six synthetic dyes from US foods by the end of 2026.
The effort is part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" - or MAHA - initiative. Kennedy, who is US Health Secretary, has blamed artificial dyes and other additives for health problems in children.
While some food industry groups argue the dyes are safe and approved by regulators, others are already changing course. Companies like PepsiCo and WK Kellogg are also working to reduce or replace synthetic dyes.
Nearly 90 per cent of their US products already have no artificial dyes, Heinz said. But some much-loved items in the US still do, like Crystal Light, Heinz relish, Kool-Aid, Jell-O and Jet-Puffed marshmallow products.
"The vast majority of our products use natural or no colours and we've been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colours across the remainder of our portfolio," Pedro Navio, Kraft Heinz's North America president, told The WSJ.
The company said it will either remove the colours, replace them with natural ones or swap in different colours where exact matches aren't possible. In some products where color isn't necessary, it may be removed entirely.
Kraft Heinz made changes to its beloved mac and cheese, removing artificial colours, preservatives and flavours from their recipe in 2016.
The company also confirmed that its Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never contained artificial dyes, stating on its website that "the red colour comes simply from the world's best tomatoes."
The customer had asked about the availability of specific meals, including Sweet and Sour Chicken and Chicken and Broccoli Melt.
A Heinz spokesperson responded: "We've taken the strategic decision to streamline our UK portfolio which includes discontinuing our frozen line with Weight Watchers.
"This change will enable us to focus on the product lines that deliver the most value for our customers and pave the way for new innovation that meets changing consumer tastes, lifestyle needs and preferences."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
GP shares the £10 Boots item that can 'eliminate' summer chafing
Shoppers said they experienced 'no chafing at all' once using this 'liberating' roll-on product With a heatwave baking parts of the UK this weekend, Brits may be experiencing some uncomfortable feelings down below when sweaty skin rubs against clothes. This can lead to painful problems, especially for those with sensitive skin. Dr Raj Arora, an NHS GP with expertise in women's health, shared an Instagram video with a product that hundreds of women "swear by" during the hot summer months. She said: "Chafing is really common, especially in the summer when you're wearing shorts and your thighs are rubbing. There's no shame in it; it happens to all of us." "You can get this called Megababe. This contains aloe vera, vitamin E. It hydrates the skin, comes in a roll-on. Just pop it in your bag and reapply." The Thigh Rescue product is available in Boots stores and, at the time of writing, the 60ml pack (normally £12) is discounted to £9.60 in a 20% off sale. There are similar products available elsewhere such as Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel (£7.99 at Superdrug) and KKwoter's Anti Chafe Stick (£5.99 from Amazon). But, the anti-friction stick by Megababe has lots of glowing reviews as well from over 1,550 customers. One said: "I wish I'd found it years ago as it is amazing. Used it on holiday and got no chafing at all!" Another added: "Glides on easily with no visible residue and no scent. I could have reapplied but didn't need to. I will keep this for future sweaty walks or any other needs!" Someone else shared how the product has "changed my life." They wrote: "The first time I used this, I was anxious because I didn't see how it could work for me when nothing else had. I did 10,000+ steps that day and didn't have to reapply - I was amazed. "I now use it as religiously as deodorant. It's liberating to not have to wear shorts under every outfit after wearing them for years. It's silly but I always felt the shorts were something I had to wear as a fat person and I just wished I could go outside without them, and now I can!" And, one more commented: "This is seriously the best product, it keeps my skin healthy and protected from chafe and rash. I recommend this to friends all the time!" A few people had issues, as one reported: "The formula doesn't seem to take into account sweat and high temperatures, only friction. It wears off after 15 minutes." Another claimed it "did not work at all." The NHS recommends consulting a doctor if you experience persistent, recurrent, or severe symptoms of chafing. They may recommend further tests or treatments, including topical corticosteroids or antibiotics
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Sex drug Viagra has surprising new health benefit and could help 3 million ageing Brits, say scientists
Studies have since suggested it might also reduce dementia risk HARDEN UP Sex drug Viagra has surprising new health benefit and could help 3 million ageing Brits, say scientists SEX aid pill Viagra helps stiffen your skeleton, a study suggests. The little blue tablet was found to increase production of vital bone cells — so could one day prevent back pain and fractures in old age. Advertisement Researchers found sildenafil, which is branded as Viagra, helped human stem cells transform into osteoblasts, the bone-building cells. These are vital as the human skeleton regenerates and is completely replaced roughly once every ten years. As we age, we lose more bone than we build, increasing the risk of breaks or osteoporosis, which makes bones brittle and painful. The Peking University team's follow-up tests on mice also suggested sildenafil would prevent bone loss. Advertisement Dr Menglong Hu and Dr Likun Wu said: 'Our findings offer new insights into the physiological effects of the medicine. 'Sildenafil enhanced stem cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibited bone loss — it may usefully treat osteoporosis.' More than three million Britons suffer osteoporosis. Other treatments exist but the researchers said it would be handy to have more cheap and readily available drugs. They said: 'Any new drug must be evaluated. This is time-consuming, expensive and risky. But sildenafil is approved and safe.' Advertisement Viagra was invented as a heart drug in the 1980s before it was found to help with erectile dysfunction. Studies have since suggested it might also reduce dementia risk. Why You Should Think Twice Before Popping Viagra Just For Fun (1)
Metro
11 hours ago
- Metro
Doctor recommends surprising drink instead of water in a heatwave — and it's not tea
A heatwave has swept across the UK, with temperatures reaching 27°C in certain parts of the country yesterday and forecasts predicting they'll hit the mid-30s by the weekend. It's good news for anyone going to Glastonbury or Royal Ascot over the coming week, but the spell of warmer weather also comes with warnings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for Midlands and southern England which remain in effect this morning and may continue on into the week. The government body claimed vulnerable groups may be at risk due to the heat, while an 'increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm' could lead to strain on healthcare services throughout the region. Alongside warnings to stay out of the midday sun and wear sunscreen, Brits are advised to drink plenty of fluids in order to avoid dehydration. Before you reach for your water bottle, though, a doctor has claimed there's a better option when managing a heatwave: milk. It's not the usual go-to come summer; we all remember Anchorman's Ron Burgundy proclaiming 'milk was a bad choice' in the sweltering sunshine, right?. However, Dr Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks, says it 'may be more hydrating than water'. 'A lot of buildings in the UK aren't well equipped to deal with extreme heat, so it's more important than ever to look after your hydration levels throughout periods of hot weather,' she says. 'However, you don't have to stick to water alone to boost hydration levels.' Symptoms of dehydration Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include: feeling thirsty dark yellow, strong-smelling pee peeing less often than usual feeling dizzy or lightheaded feeling tired a dry mouth, lips and tongue sunken eyes If you have symptoms of dehydration drink plenty of fluids (in small sips if you find it hard to drink due to sickness). Additionally, you can get oral rehydration solutions through a pharmacist. Call 111 urgently if you or your child have any of these symptoms of severe dehydration: feeling unusually tired or drowsy confusion or disorientation feeling dizzy when standing up and it not going away breathing quickly or a fast heart rate no tears when crying (specifically applicable to babies and children) a soft spot on the head than sinks inward, known as sunken fontanelle (specifically applicable to babies and children) Via NHS. Dr Natasha explains that due to the sugar, protein, and fat content of milk, which slows the rate at which fluid empties from the stomach, a glass of the white stuff helps you to stay hydrated over longer periods. 'Milk also contains sodium,' she adds, 'which allows your body to hold onto water for longer, aiding hydration levels.' It's not just cow's milk either: vegan or lactose-intolerant folks can also benefit with a hit of a plant based alternative, and Dr Natasha highlights that 'soya milk also contains electrolytes, which aid re-hydration further.' Alongside milk, she recommends watermelons, coconut water, cucumbers or cucumber juice, and fresh fruit juices diluted with water to help stay cool. You've probably heard that a hot drink on a warm day is better too, and while it's a classic older relative refrain, there is some truth to it. It may not be particularly refreshing, but a steaming cup of tea cools you down by prompting your body to sweat. 'The hot drink somehow has an effect on your systemic cooling mechanisms, which exceeds its actual effect in terms of heating your body,' Peter McNaughton, a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge told NPR. 'That's probably why chilli peppers are so popular in hot countries because they cause sweating and activate a whole raft of mechanisms which lower the temperature.' But there is a caveat: your sweat needs to be able to evaporate on your skin. If the air is too humid or you're wearing a lot of clothing, for example, you'll just end up feeling slightly warmer than before you popped the kettle on. So rather than a milky cuppa, you're probably better off just sticking with the milk. This article was originally published on July 18, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@
