Renowned snack labels such as Lays and Tostitos are set to terminate the use of synthetic colors by the year’s close, aligning themselves with the new directives set forth by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to eventually eliminate petroleum-derived artificial dyes. In a recent financial discussion held on April 24, PepsiCo’s CEO, Ramon Laguarta, highlighted the progressive shifting away from artificial colors within the corporation.
Already, a significant portion of the company’s product palette, exceeding 60 percent, does not contain any artificial colorings as of the current period. Laguarta underlined PepsiCo’s commitment to lead the market demand for healthier and more organic constituents, reflecting their previous successful initiatives in reducing sugar and sodium content, and incorporating healthier fats.
Over the coming years, PepsiCo plans to ensure its comprehensively extensive range of products, inclusive of brands such as Doritos and Cheetos, are restructured to embrace natural colorings. Alternatively, the company confirms it will offer consumer choices that include naturally colored options.
This progressive move towards more organic alternatives occurs subsequent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S Food and Drug Administration’s gradual move away from all petroleum-derived synthetic dyes, following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as the health secretary in February.
In an proclamation event that took place on April 22, Kennedy pointedly critiqued food manufacturers for routinely incorporating petroleum-based chemicals into their food products unbeknownst to the consuming public, a practice he insists has been in play for an extensive period.
As stated by FDA, the utilization of artificial dyes serves a multitude of purposes including compensating for color depreciation resulting from exposure to elements like light, air, temperature fluctuation, moisture and storage conditions; resolving naturally occurring color inconsistencies; boosting naturally present hues; and offering vibrant colors to uncolored and ‘fun’ foods.
In the present day, the FDA further encourages food companies to exchange petrochemical dyes in favor of more natural constituents. Certain dyes which will be gradually eliminated by the close of 2026 include: FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2.
Additionally, plans to revoke authorization to use Citrus Red No. 2, Orange B are also in the pipeline for the forthcoming months. This broad-scale initiative represents an important shift toward consumer health and transparency in the food industry.