MAHA Redo at FDA Includes Fast-Tracking Some Drugs, More Use of AI
WASHINGTON—Embracing artificial intelligence. Taking on companies that make ultra-processed foods. And offering a fast-track to approve drugs the Trump administration views as a priority.
Welcome to the new Food and Drug Administration as envisioned by Dr. Marty Makary, who is leading the agency under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Both men have said they want to overhaul the agency, citing what they see as the FDA's reputation for coziness with pharmaceutical companies.
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Los Angeles Times
43 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Kraft Heinz to remove all artificial dyes by end of 2027
Kraft Heinz Co. said it will remove synthetic food dyes from all of its US products by the end of 2027, eliminating ingredients such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 from Jell-O, Kool-Aid and some Lunchables products. Kraft Heinz is now the largest US packaged food company to fully commit to eliminating the artificial colorants regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The owner of the Heinz and Oscar Mayer brands also isn't introducing any new products in the US with the dyes. The change marks a victory for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The HHS and the FDA said in April that they'll work with food producers to eliminate synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026. Industry groups have previously said no agreement exists on the matter, however. 'We are continuously evolving our recipes, products and portfolio to deliver superiority to consumers and customers,' said Pedro Navio, North America president at Kraft Heinz, in a statement. 'The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we've been on a journey to reduce our use of FD&C colors across the remainder of our portfolio.' The term FD&C colors refers to seven common synthetic dyes approved for use in food by the Food and Drug Administration that make up nearly all of the artificial colors consumed by Americans. The FDA announced in January that it would ban Red No. 3, and then in April said it would look to remove the other six. Nearly 90% of Kraft Heinz's products sold in the US contain no synthetic dyes, according to the company. It removed dyes from Kraft Macaroni & Cheese in 2016. Even so, Kraft Heinz still lists dozens of products that use them, from salad dressings and color-changing marshmallows to condiments such as relish. Many of the products are in the company's desserts and drinks categories, including its portfolio of Mio water flavor enhancers, Crystal Light and Kool-Aid drink mixes, and Jell-O gelatins and puddings, a spokesperson for Kraft Heinz said. In products where colors are not 'critical to the consumer experience,' Kraft Heinz will remove them outright. In other instances, it will replace synthetic dyes with natural dyes — or create new colorants 'where matching natural replacements are not available.' The firm will also work with licensees of its brands to urge the removal of the dyes. Partners such as Morris National Inc., for example, produce candies under the Jell-O brand that contain synthetic dyes, while Frankford makes Oscar Meyer branded hot dog gummies. Kraft Heinz cut its annual sales and profit outlook earlier this year after posting a sixth straight quarter of declining revenue. In May, the company said it was evaluating deals in an effort to boost its stock price while announcing that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. was giving up its board seats. The company's stock is down 16% this year through Monday's close, well below the S&P 500 Index's 2.6% increase over the same period. PepsiCo Inc., which makes snacks such as Doritos and Cheetos, has committed to providing options with natural colors in the years ahead. Tyson Foods Inc. announced in May that it would eliminate all synthetic dyes from its products, though the chicken and meat producer had little exposure to the ingredients. Kubzansky writes for Bloomberg.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kraft Heinz - which makes Jell-O, Kool-Aid and ketchup - promises to eliminate all chemical food dyes within two years
Kraft Heinz, the maker of Jell-O, Kool-Aid and boxed macaroni and cheese, announced Tuesday that it would remove all chemical dyes from its products by the end of 2027. The company stated that, while 90 percent of its U.S. products measured by sales are already free of artificial dyes, it will not use any Food, Drug & Cosmetic colors in any new products moving forward. The change comes after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in April said that the Food and Drug Administration was working with the food industry to remove synthetic dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of next year. The plan would axe Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 2, according to the FDA. Kraft Heinz said that for the small number of their products that still contain artificial colors, they plan to remove the dyes where they are not critical, replace them with natural colors, or, in instances where the color isn't critical to the product, they would remove them entirely. While many Kraft Heinz products will not be impacted, some that may see changes include Crystal Light, Heinz relish, Kool-Aid, Jell-O and Jet-Puffed, as they contain dyes such as Red No. 40 and Blue No. 1. Kraft Heinz made changes to its beloved mac and cheese in 2016, removing artificial colors, preservatives and flavors from their recipe. In a press release announcing their latest initiative, the company also confirmed that its Heinz Tomato Ketchup has never contained artificial dyes, writing, 'the red color comes simply from the world's best tomatoes.' Here are the products that will likely be impacted: Most flavored Jell-O products in the U.S. contain artificial colors and are made with ingredients derived from petroleum, a natural chemical used to make gasoline that could have harmful impacts on our health, according to Healthline. Food dyes included in the products, such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, contain benzidine, a known carcinogen, or a substance that can cause cancer. According to the FDA, these dyes are presumed safe in small doses. It was not immediately clear how much artificial dye is used in Jell-O products. Unflavored Jello-O Gelatin, which is often used as a base for other recipes, does not contain any dyes. The popular drink mix championed by the Kool-Aid Man utilizes artificial colors to achieve its well-known bright red, blue, or orange color. Similar to many other drink mixes and sugary treats, Kool-Aid products utilize Red 40, Blue 1 and Yellow 5. The drink mix, made to turn water into a sugary, sweet and low-calorie treat, contains several artificial colors in addition to artificial sweeteners, according to food labels. Some iterations of the lemonade mixes contain artificial colors such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, to provide its signature bright color. While Heinz's beloved tomato ketchup contains no artificial colors, the same cannot be said for all of the brand's condiments. Heinz Sweet Relish, a staple at any barbecue, contains Yellow 5 and Blue 1. The colorful marshmallows are another beloved product that currently contains artificial colors, according to its nutrition label. A bag of color-changing marshmallows by the brand for sale on Amazon contains Blue 1, Red 40, Red 3 and Yellow 6. The popular water enhancer also contains artificial colors. Some MiO products include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 1.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Gummy vitamins recalled by FDA over undeclared peanut allergen
Various B12 gummy vitamin products have been recalled due to an undeclared peanut allergen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an announcement on Friday from Vita Warehouse Corp., the maker of the product that is distributed under the brand names Welby, Berkley Jensen, and VitaGlobe. The New York-based company confirmed to Fox News Digital that it issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Welby-brand Vitamin B12 Energy Support gummy product 1000 mcg 140 gummies, Berkely Jensen Vitamin B12 1000 mcg 250 Gummies, and VitaGlobe Vitamin B12 Extra Strength 60 Gummies due to the 'potential presence of undeclared peanuts.' 'People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the potential risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products,' Vita Warehouse noted in its announcement. The products were reportedly distributed at Aldi and BJ's retail stores across the country, as well as online at and Amazon. According to the company, no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported as of June 12. 3 The New York-based company confirmed to Fox News Digital that it issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Welby-brand Vitamin B12 Energy Support gummy product 1000 mcg 140 gummies due to the 'potential presence of undeclared peanuts.' FDA Vita Warehouse released the following product descriptions included in the recall, including lot numbers and expiration dates on the bottom of the bottles. Aldi Welby Clear bottle with white cap, using green, red, and white labeling. UPC code: 4099100290868 Lot number: 248046601 Expiration date: 10/2026 Berkley Jensen 3 VitaGlobe Vitamin B12 Extra Strength 60 Gummies was also recalled. FDA Clear bottle with white cap, using red and pink labeling. UPC code: 888670132487 Lot number: 248046601 Expiration date: 10/2026 VitaGlobe Clear bottle with white cap, using white and red labeling. UPC code: 850005214670 Lot number: 248046601 Expiration date: 10/2026 The recall was initiated after Aldi conducted routine testing to 'verify the accuracy of allergen-related claims made on their product labeling, specifically a 'does not contain peanuts' statement,' according to the company. 'One test result indicated a potential presence of a peanut allergen,' Vita Warehouse noted. 'Although internal testing conducted by Vita Warehouse Corp. has verified the absence of peanuts in the product, the recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution to ensure consumer safety and trust.' Vita Warehouse confirmed that no other Welby, Berkley Jensen or VitaGlobe brand products are impacted by this recall. Those who are allergic to peanuts and have purchased this product, with identified lot numbers and expiration dates, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it immediately. 3 Berkely Jensen Vitamin B12 1000 mcg 250 Gummies was recalled due to an undeclared peanut allergen. FDA 'Any consumer who experiences an allergic reaction should seek medical attention right away,' the announcement warned. 'We want to assure consumers that their health and safety remain our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with the FDA throughout this process,' Vita Warehouse told Fox News Digital.
