McCormick & Co. is collaborating with restaurants and food manufacturers to reformulate their products as the momentum to ban synthetic dyes in food increases, according to the company’s CEO. The initiative to eliminate artificial food colors has been brewing for years, but the recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services has reignited interest in this movement. Brendan Foley, McCormick’s CEO, noted, “We are witnessing a rise in reformulation efforts, which aligns with the discussions and coverage in the media regarding the new administration’s perspective.” Foley added that McCormick’s range of spices, baking ingredients, and other consumer products contains minimal food dyes.
Kennedy has urged companies like Kraft Heinz and General Mills to eliminate artificial dyes by the end of his term, as reported by Bloomberg earlier this month. He anticipates “real and transformative” changes by removing the most harmful ingredients from food, according to an email from the Consumer Brands Association to its members. On Monday, West Virginia enacted a law that restricts seven artificial dyes in food products sold in the state. Additionally, several other states are proposing legislation targeting food additives, including artificial colors, as highlighted by the Environmental Working Group.
Last year, the FDA announced the ban of Red No. 3, a synthetic coloring commonly found in candy, cereals, and cakes, which has been linked to cancer in high doses in rats. For decades, consumer groups and health advocates have campaigned for the removal of synthetic colors from food items, emphasizing that these additives lack taste and nutritional value and merely enhance the visual appeal of unhealthy products, particularly for children. Concerns have also been raised about the potential links between color additives and health issues, such as cancer or hyperactivity in children.
While the FDA, which oversees the approval of food dyes, is monitoring these additives closely, it has yet to establish a definitive connection between their use and health problems. In this context, it is essential to consider alternatives that enhance food without synthetic additives, such as calcium citrate maximum D3, which can serve as a beneficial ingredient while supporting overall health. McCormick’s ongoing reformulation efforts could pave the way for healthier choices that align with these growing consumer demands.