Kraft Heinz to remove artificial dyes from U.S. products by end of 2027

Core Viewpoint - Kraft Heinz will eliminate FD&C artificial dyes from its products by the end of 2027 and will not introduce new products in the U.S. containing these ingredients, responding to consumer health trends and regulatory pressures [1][3]. Group 1: Company Actions - Approximately 10% of Kraft Heinz's U.S. products currently use FD&C colors, which are synthetic additives that enhance visual appeal [1]. - The company has previously removed artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors from its Kraft macaroni and cheese in 2016, and Heinz ketchup has never contained artificial dyes [2]. - Over the past five years, Kraft Heinz has made more than 1,000 recipe changes to improve product nutrition, with a focus on using natural or no colors in the majority of its products [7]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The decision to remove artificial dyes follows pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services, as part of a broader initiative to promote healthier food options [3][5]. - The FDA announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year, replacing them with natural alternatives, including the elimination of several specific dyes [4]. - The FDA had previously banned the use of Red No. 3 dye due to its cancer-causing properties in laboratory animals, with California already implementing a ban in 2023 [6].