Kraft Heinz and General Mills have announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes from their U.S. products, with Kraft Heinz starting in 2027 and General Mills targeting a complete phase-out for most of its products by the end of 2027. This decision follows a recommendation from U.S. health officials encouraging food manufacturers to move away from petroleum-based artificial colors.
Kraft Heinz reports that nearly 90% of its U.S. portfolio already avoids artificial dyes and will replace remaining synthetic colors in beverages and desserts with natural alternatives. The company has previously reformulated its macaroni and cheese to eliminate artificial colors and has never used them in its ketchup.
General Mills also emphasizes that most of its school food offerings are already dye-free, with an overall 85% of its retail foods meeting the same standard. The company views this reformulation as part of its ongoing response to changing consumer preferences.
The FDA has historically approved the safety of these synthetic colors, but health advocates have raised concerns about potential neurobehavioral effects in children. The FDA is taking steps to reduce synthetic dye use in foods and has already banned the use of Red 3 due to its carcinogenic properties in laboratory settings.
In contrast to the U.S., many countries like Canada and those in Europe have stricter regulations on synthetic dyes, often requiring warning labels. As a response to consumer demand, companies are increasingly turning to natural colorants derived from sources such as beets, algae, and various fruits and vegetables.
