Kraft Heinz has announced a sweeping decision to eliminate all artificial food dyes from its U.S. product lineup by the end of 2027, marking a significant shift in the food industry’s approach to consumer health concerns and regulatory scrutiny. This move reflects both changing public preferences and mounting government pressure to eliminate potentially harmful synthetic additives.
The multinational food company—known for household staples such as Kraft Mac & Cheese, Heinz ketchup, Capri-Sun, and Jell-O—confirmed it will no longer release any new U.S. products containing synthetic dyes and will transition all existing lines to formulations using natural or no coloring at all.
Pedro Navio, president of Kraft Heinz’s North American division, stated that the company has already made considerable progress in reducing its use of artificial colors, highlighting its 2016 removal of synthetic dyes from Kraft Mac & Cheese. This latest commitment extends that initiative across the entire U.S. product portfolio.
This decision comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intensifies its review of synthetic dyes, many of which are petroleum-based and have long been controversial. While currently allowed under federal guidelines, these additives are increasingly viewed as health risks. The FDA has already banned red dye No. 3 for use in consumables and announced plans to collaborate with the food industry to phase out synthetic dyes entirely over the coming years.
Some of these substances have been linked to various health risks, including behavioral issues in children and even potential cancer concerns. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has vocally criticized these additives, referring to them as “poisonous compounds” and urging the food industry to act before federal bans are enforced.
States are also taking independent action. California, Virginia, and West Virginia have implemented bans on artificial dyes, and bipartisan efforts in over half of the U.S. states are underway to eliminate such ingredients from food products. Advocacy groups continue to push for stricter regulations, reflecting growing public demand for cleaner, more transparent food labels.
Kennedy reportedly held private meetings with top executives from Kraft Heinz and other food industry giants to encourage preemptive reform. Insiders suggest the administration is willing to escalate regulatory action if companies fail to voluntarily comply.
Kraft Heinz’s decision also comes at a time of broader upheaval within the company. Sales dropped 6.4% last quarter as consumer tastes shift toward healthier alternatives, leaving behind legacy brands like Lunchables and Capri-Sun. In response, the company is reportedly considering strategic restructuring, including divestitures or potential mergers.
Adding to the transformation, two board members representing major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway will step down, signaling a reduced influence from Warren Buffett’s investment firm, which was instrumental in orchestrating the 2015 merger that formed Kraft Heinz.
The company has already offloaded assets like Planters and its U.S. natural cheese division to streamline operations. Analysts speculate that the dye-removal initiative could foreshadow additional portfolio adjustments as Kraft Heinz tries to reposition itself in a rapidly evolving market.
