Big Food Companies Ditching Artificial Colors

By the end of 2027, the J. M. Smucker Company plans to remove all artificial colors from their jams and other products.

A Broader Industry Trend

This move is part of a larger trend in the food industry. Many large companies are now choosing to use more natural ingredients.

Other Major Players

Nestle
Conagra Brands
Kraft Heinz
General Mills

These companies have also announced plans to phase out synthetic dyes.

Concerns About Artificial Colors

The shift is driven by increasing concerns about the safety of artificial colors. The federal government has been paying more attention to this issue.

Recent Regulatory Actions

January 2024: The U.S. banned Red 3 from food.
Red 3 had already been banned from cosmetics for over 35 years due to potential cancer risks.
The FDA is working to eliminate synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
The FDA is encouraging food companies to make these changes voluntarily.

Impact on Smucker's Products

Smucker's decision affects not only its own brands but also products from Hostess, which it acquired in 2023.

Popular Hostess Items

Twinkies
Snoballs

These items currently contain artificial colors and will need to be reformulated to meet the new standards.

Current Products with Artificial Colors

While many of Smucker's products are already free of synthetic dyes, some still contain them.

Examples

Sugar-free jams
Ice cream toppings

These products will need to be updated.

Commitment to Schools

The company is also committed to removing artificial colors from foods sold to K-12 schools by the 2026-2027 school year.

Consumer Benefits

This shift towards natural ingredients is a positive step for consumers. It shows that food companies are listening to concerns about artificial additives.

Voluntary Changes

It's important to note that these changes are voluntary. The FDA is relying on companies to make these adjustments on their own.