Smucker’s Bold Step: Eliminating Artificial Food Coloring for Healthier, Natural Products

J.M. Smucker Co., based in Orrville, Ohio, is making a significant change by phasing out food color additives from its products. The company recently announced that it has eliminated FD&C colors, which are regulated by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, from many items and plans to remove them entirely from all product lines.

This change will impact Smucker’s sugar-free fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, and several products under its Hostess brand. Smucker aims to work with distribution partners to ensure that these color-free products are available to K-12 schools by the 2026-2027 school year.

Smucker isn’t alone in this move. Other major food companies, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Conagra, and Nestle, have recently announced similar plans. This shift comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for the removal of artificial food coloring from the American diet. He criticized the use of petroleum-based chemicals in food without public awareness, noting, "For too long, some food producers have been feeding Americans petroleum-based chemicals."

Kennedy encouraged food producers to voluntarily comply with new guidelines to eliminate these dyes, hoping to avoid more stringent regulations or legal actions. He expressed gratitude for the support from companies like Nestle and Conagra, urging others to join the effort to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Interestingly, consumer awareness around food additives is growing. Surveys show that over 70% of Americans prefer foods with natural ingredients over those with artificial additives. Social media trends reflect this shift, with many consumers sharing their support for brands that prioritize clean labels.

The move away from artificial colors is part of a larger trend in the food industry towards transparency and health. As more companies take similar steps, we might see a positive shift in public health and nutrition, steering the industry away from harmful additives and toward better choices for consumers.

For more information, check out resources from the FDA regarding food labeling and additives, which can provide insights into how these changes might affect food safety and consumer choices.

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