Group 1 - The company announced the removal of artificial sweeteners and preservatives from its store brands [1] - This change will affect products sold online and at over 4,500 stores [1]

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is responding to the call from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ban artificial ingredients, with plans to reduce such ingredients in its products [1][6]. Company Actions - PepsiCo's CEO, Ramon Laguarta, announced that over 60% of the company's product portfolio currently does not contain artificial colors, and the company is actively transitioning away from these ingredients [2][3]. - Specific products like Lay's and Tostitos are set to be free of artificial colors by the end of this year [2][10]. Industry Changes - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is initiating a ban on petroleum-based synthetic dyes, with plans to revoke authorization for certain synthetic food colorings and eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of next year [3]. - The FDA's actions are part of a broader effort to establish national standards for transitioning to natural alternatives in the food industry [3]. Public Health Perspective - Certified nutritionist Liana Werner-Gray views the ban as a significant win for public health, emphasizing the importance of consuming natural foods [4][8]. - Werner-Gray advocates for a return to natural nutrition, highlighting personal health improvements after eliminating artificial dyes from her diet [5][7].