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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Kraft Heinz - which makes Jell-O, Kool-Aid and ketchup - promises to eliminate all chemical food dyes within two years
Kraft Heinz, the maker of Jell-O, Kool-Aid and boxed macaroni and cheese, announced Tuesday that it would remove all chemical dyes from its products by the end of 2027. The company stated that, while 90 percent of its U.S. products measured by sales are already free of artificial dyes, it will not use any Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors in any new products moving forward. The change comes after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April said that the Food and Drug Administration was working with the food industry to remove synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of next year. The plan would axe Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 2, according to the FDA. Kraft Heinz said that for the small number of their products that still contain artificial colors, they plan to remove the dyes where they are not critical, replace them with natural colors, or, in instances where the color isn't critical to the product, they would remove them entirely. While many Kraft Heinz products will not be impacted, some that may see changes include Crystal Light, Heinz relish, Kool-Aid, Jell-O and Jet-Puffed, as they contain dyes such as Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1. Kraft Heinz made changes to its beloved mac and cheese in 2016, removing artificial colors, preservatives and flavors from their recipe. In a press release announcing their latest initiative, the company also confirmed that its Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never contained artificial dyes, writing, 'the red color comes simply from the world's best tomatoes.' Here are the products that will likely be impacted: Most flavored Jell-O products in the U.S. contain artificial colors and are made with ingredients derived from petroleum, a natural chemical used to make gasoline that could have harmful impacts on our health, according to Healthline. Food dyes included in the products, such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, contain benzidine, a known carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. According to the FDA, these dyes are presumed safe in small doses. It was not immediately clear how much artificial dye is used in Jell-O products. Unflavored Jello-O Gelatin, which is often used as a base for other recipes, does not contain any dyes. The popular drink mix championed by the Kool-Aid Man utilizes artificial colors to achieve its well-known bright red, blue, or orange color. Similar to many other drink mixes and sugary treats, Kool-Aid products utilize Red 40, Blue 1 and Yellow 5. The drink mix, made to turn water into a sugary, sweet and low-calorie treat, contains several artificial colors in addition to artificial sweeteners, according to food labels. Some iterations of the lemonade mixes contain artificial colors such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, to provide its signature bright color. While Heinz's beloved tomato ketchup contains no artificial colors, the same cannot be said for all of the brand's condiments. Heinz Sweet Relish, a staple at any barbecue, contains Yellow 5 and Blue 1. The colorful marshmallows are another beloved product that currently contains artificial colors, according to its nutrition label. A bag of color-changing marshmallows by the brand for sale on Amazon contains Blue 1, Red 40, Red 3 and Yellow 6. The popular water enhancer also contains artificial colors. Some MiO products include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 1.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Proposed Food Dye Ban Affects More Than Candy—10 Surprising Foods You Need to Know About
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD"Key Takeaways" Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed a ban on many food dyes. Many foods, including cereals, fruit, sausage and condiments will be affected. In the meantime, you shouldn't fear these food dyes, a dietitian this year, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on food dye Red No. 3, which is commonly found in candy, grocery store baked goods, gummy vitamins and various cereal and dessert products. Since then, states like Arizona, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia have passed laws banning other synthetic food dyes from schools. But at a press conference this week, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took this initiative a step further. He announced that both the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA will start to roll out a ban on the following synthetic food dyes: Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. These dyes aren't just found in candy or snacks—there are produce, dairy, meat and other surprising products that will be impacted by this new legislation. But before we go through the foods affected, you may be wondering if you should worry or avoid these foods with synthetic dyes in the meantime. Our senior nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD has an answer that will hopefully ease your nerves. 'While there is some research on the health effects of food dyes, it is limited and often done on animals rather than humans. This means there's not clear or unanimous evidence that they are harmful in moderation,' shares Ball. 'There are several more evidence-backed things that are linked with positive health outcomes, like an overall balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, quality sleep and access to healthy foods. Those are things I would recommend focusing on rather than focusing on avoiding food dyes.' Related: Should You Worry About Food Dyes? Here's What Experts Say With that said, here are the unexpected foods that may start looking a little different if or when the food dye ban is in full effect. While it may not necessarily be shocking that cereals like Lucky Charms and Froot Loops contain food dyes like Red No. 40, Blue No. 1 and and Yellow No. 5, the amount of cereals on the market with these dyes is surprising. Cereals like Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Fruity Cheerios, Apple Jacks and Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries will need to look for new ways to create vibrant hues without the affected dyes. Ever wondered what ingredient gives Kraft's Creamy French Dressing its classic orange tone? It's Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, which are included in the ban. Kraft's Classic Catalina dressing also has Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1—but whether dyed or dye-free, we prefer making salad dressings at home to spruce up our greens anyway. Related: How to Choose the Healthiest Salad Dressing, According to a Dietitian Did you know that some hot dogs and sausage casings are synthetically dyed with Orange B? It makes sense when you think about it, but if your go-to ball park meal starts to look a little different during the 2027 season, don't fear: it's just dye-free. Yes, even our fruit is impacted by the dye bans. The exterior peel of Florida oranges are commonly dyed with Citrus Red 2 to give the fruit that signature summer glow. And there is a reason for it. 'It is a common practice to color the skins of oranges in certain orange growing areas of the country because of climatic or cultural conditions which cause the oranges to mature while still green in color,' the FDA notes. Therefore, all oranges on the marketplace meet the maturity standards to be sold, but some are dyed to be more appealing to the consumer's eye. Don't fear if you see some green oranges once the dye ban takes effect. Canned vegetables can be a healthy, budget-friendly way to include more fiber on your plate. It's important to know that your canned peas may not be as green once food dye Blue No. 1 is removed from retail. But don't worry; they will be just as nutritious and taste exactly the same. Related: How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Fruits and Vegetables, According to a Dietitian On a similar note, preserved fruit products like jams, jellies and marmalades may have various dyes depending on the fruit. Plus, dried fruits like papaya, mango, kiwi and more may contain food dyes like Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6 or Blue No. 1. It's not just yogurt marketed at children that uses food dyes. Brands like Dannon Light + Fit and Yoplait perfect their yogurt's hue with Red No. 40, Blue No. 1 or Yellow No. 6. You may find that the color of your strawberry Yoplait Light or key lime Light + Fit Greek yogurt might be toned down in the near future. Various Gatorade, Powerade and Pedialyte flavors have dyes like Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1 on their ingredients lists. But something you may not consider is that water-dissolvable drink powders like Sunkist, Country Time, 4C, Kool-Aid and Crystal Light all contain food dyes to elevate the appearance of your sip. It may be harder to know when they're fully dissolved once they're dye-free, so give it an extra shake or stir before tasting. Related: 5 Foods That Are Packed with Electrolytes, According to Dietitians Some seasoning mixes, including Great Value's Lemon & Pepper Seasoning, get their color from food dye, so the color will become more muted in your cooking once removed. But including fresh lemon, like slices on top of our highly-rated Grilled Lemon-Pepper Salmon in Foil, will help keep your dish vibrant. Alongside salad dressing, your refrigerator door may be taking a hit after the food dye ban is in full effect. Great Value's Cocktail Sauce and Vlasic's Sweet Relish are just two popular examples that use dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, respectively. There are a lot of foods on the market that contain dyes—but there is no significant data that shows that these dyes cause any sort of harm to the body. Unless it's a personal preference, there's no need to avoid these dyes up to the ban, but just remember that your groceries may have a different hue when these food dyes are removed from the ingredients. 'As a registered dietitian and health professional, I think one of the most important things food policy can do is increase access to healthy foods for all people,' explains Ball. 'This makes it easier for folks to meet their nutritional needs, be fueled for regular exercise, nourish their families and more. Things like food access and accessible nutrition support are much more impactful and beneficial for health than avoiding food dyes.' Related: Active Recalls on Butter, Ground Beef and More to Be Aware of Right Now Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA is phasing out synthetic food dyes—here's what it means for your family's health
In a sweeping move that puts children's well-being front and center, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced a prominent plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply. For parents who've long worried about mysterious color-coded ingredients in their child's favorite snacks, this marks a long-overdue victory for transparency and health. For decades, American families have unknowingly been consuming artificial dyes—FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Blue No. 1, to name a few—added to everything from cereals and candies to juices and baked goods. These synthetic additives, made from petrochemicals, offer no nutritional benefit and have been linked to a range of health concerns, especially in children. Think hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even potential long-term impacts on development. 'Some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent,' said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. 'That era is coming to an end.' Related: Baked goods FDA recall: what you need to know about the 2 million products impacted The FDA's new measures are part of the Biden administration's broader 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, and here's what you need to know: Two dyes—Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B—will have their authorization revoked in the coming months. Six more widely used synthetic dyes (like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5) will be eliminated by the end of next year. Natural alternatives such as butterfly pea flower extract and gardenia blue are being fast-tracked for approval. The deadline for phasing out Red No. 3 (found in candies and baked goods) has been moved up. The FDA is working with the NIH to deeply study the connection between additives and children's health. While European countries and Canada have already restricted or replaced synthetic dyes in many foods, the U.S. has lagged behind. That means American children have been exposed to additives banned elsewhere for safety reasons. The shift now underway acknowledges mounting research—and parental concern—about the role these dyes may play in the rise of childhood issues like obesity, depression, and ADHD. As FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated, 'Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents… we should not be taking risks.' This policy shift is a game-changer, but food industry reform won't happen overnight. In the meantime, there are steps you can take: Read labels: Look out for ingredients labeled as 'FD&C' followed by a color and number. Choose natural options: Many brands now use fruit or vegetable-based colorings. Make your voice heard: Continue advocating for clean ingredients by supporting brands and stores committed to transparency. Model mindful eating: This is a great opportunity to talk to your kids about what's in their food and why it matters. For many families, this announcement isn't just about dyes—it's about reclaiming trust in the food system. It's about knowing that what we feed our children supports not only their bodies, but also their focus, energy, and emotional health. This change signals that when parents speak up, when science is prioritized, and when the health of our littlest citizens is placed at the forefront, meaningful change is possible. Let's keep demanding better. Because our kids deserve nothing less. Related: FDA sets new limits on lead in baby food—what parents need to know
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The FDA will phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes used in Mountain Dew, Fruit Loops and more
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday that it will phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year. 'For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals,' FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at a press conference, per CNBC. The latest initiative is part of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ongoing efforts to 'Make America Healthy Again.' At this time, the FDA and food companies — including PepsiCo, General Mills, Mars and WK Kellogg — don't have a formal agreement to remove artificial dyes, but an 'understanding,' according to Kennedy. It's unclear how the agency would enforce this ban if companies refuse to comply. 'There are a number of tools at our disposal,' Makary said. 'I believe in love, let's start in a friendly way and see if we can do this without any statutory or regulatory changes, but we are exploring every tool in the toolbox to make sure this gets done very quickly. And they want to do it — so why go down a complicated road with Congress?' The FDA is in the process of establishing a 'national standard' and a timeline for food companies to switch over from petroleum-based food dyes to natural alternatives, CNBC reported. The agency is also looking to 'revoke authorization of synthetic food colorings, including those not in production, within the coming weeks,' the outlet specified. The six dyes being targeted include Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2 and Green No. 3. Food companies are also being urged to phase out Red No. 3 by the end of new year, which is sooner than the 2027 to 2028 deadline previously required. 'For companies that are currently using petroleum-based red dye, try watermelon juice or beet juice,' Makary said. 'For companies currently combining petroleum-based yellow chemical and red dyes together, try carrot juice.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alabama House committee considers bill to ban certain food dyes in schools
Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, sits on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 25, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) A bill seeking to remove certain food additives from Alabama's public K-12 schools faced discussion in the House Health Committee Wednesday, with proponents citing health concerns and opponents raising issues of regulatory burden and implementation timelines. HB 491, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, would prohibit schools from selling or serving food items containing specific artificial colorings, including common dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5. The committee held the bill for a vote next week to allow members to review a potential amendment. 'Europe has banned it years ago, and all we're asking is just in the lunches, what's in the schools,' Ingram said to the committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ingram argued passionately against the additives and said he doesn't 'think we ought to keep giving our kids poison.' 'Why not take a proactive approach to save a life? … we're prescribing so much medication now, it's got to be something that we're eating and something we're doing,' Ingram said to the committee. The scope of the bill focuses specifically on food provided by schools. It would not restrict items brought from home or shared by students for events like class parties. Alabama House bills would target some food additives But concerns were raised about the bill's impact. Virginia Banister, executive director at Alabama Beverage Association, said the bill would create 'unnecessary regulatory burdens, cost, consumer and retailer confusion.' She also said that it would undermine the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 'HB 491 would place the state of Alabama in an unprecedented position in regulating food and beverage ingredients. That's a role currently held by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,' Banister said. In a recent interview, Ingram indicated that a push by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to 'Make America Healthy Again' is allowing Republicans, who have historically opposed regulation, to talk about the issue. He also said that his grandchildren aren't allowed to have synthetic dyes, which led him to learn more about the issue. Kennedy has promoted numerous controversial and unfounded views around public health issues. He has made false claims about the safety of vaccines and the impact of environmental chemicals on a child's sexual orientation or gender identity. He has also baselessly connected anti-depressant use to school shootings and has advocated for raw milk consumption despite health risks. California banned Red Dye No. 3 in 2023 after a state report raised concerns about its link to increased youth ADHD and questioned federal safety levels for children. The FDA recently followed, announcing a Red Dye No. 3 ban in food effective in early 2027 and 2028 in drugs. Research continues on the safety of other food dyes. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
