Hershey to eliminate synthetic dyes by 2027 amid growing health push
Hershey HSY.N said on Tuesday it would remove synthetic dyes from its snacks by the end of 2027, making it the latest in a growing list of companies seeking to align with directives from U.S. health authorities.
In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary rolled out plans to remove synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply to address health conditions such as ADHD, obesity and diabetes.
"Removing these colors is a natural next step in our program to ensure consumers have options to fit their lifestyle while maintaining trust and confidence in our products," Hershey's spokesperson said in a statement.
Bloomberg News had reported Hershey's intention to remove synthetic dyes on Monday.
The company's snack brands include Dot's Homestyle Pretzels, SKINNYPOP popcorn and FULFIL protein bars.
Several firms including W.K. Kellogg KLG.N, Tyson Foods TSN.N, Conagra Brands CAG.N, Nestle USA and General Mills GIS.N have been actively reformulating their product portfolio to exclude artificial colors and are introducing new items free of synthetic dyes.
Shares of the company were up 4% in early trading.
Reporting by Devika Nair and Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Pooja Desai