The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services' Threat to Ban Artificial Dyes and Response Strategy - Jay Lee's U.S. Communication (146)

‘Stop Using Artificial Dyes’ – Final Warning to Major Food Companies

An issue before the end of the term… Direct action if voluntary resolution is not achieved

Europe responds positively… Domestic companies need to quickly improve ingredients

Enhancing brand competitiveness by gaining trust in natural dyes

△ Lee Jong-chan, CEO of J&B Food Consulting

On March 11th, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., issued a final warning to major food companies, demanding the removal of all artificial dyes from their products.

According to an email sent by the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), a U.S. food retail industry trade group, Secretary Kennedy made this demand during a meeting with senior executives from major food companies. He stated that removing artificial dyes from food products would be one of his top priorities before completing his term. Kennedy made it clear that if the food industry does not voluntarily find a solution, he will take direct action.

Additionally, the CBA mentioned that discussions would be held with government officials regarding the specific expectations for the food industry and how the HHS will coordinate in case of disagreements in the process of providing solutions.

Health activists in the U.S. have long criticized food companies for adding artificial dyes to food products, making nutritionally poor foods more visually appealing. There have also been concerns that certain dyes might cause hyperactivity disorders or even cancer in children.

With health authorities recently announcing a policy to remove artificial dyes from all food products, both domestic and international food industries are facing significant changes. This initiative aims to protect consumer health and encourage the use of natural ingredients, but it also requires prompt action from Korean food manufacturers targeting overseas markets. Major export markets, such as the U.S. and Europe, are already tightening regulations on artificial dyes, and proper preparation is necessary.

In particular, the ‘Clean Label’ trend has strongly established itself in the U.S. market. This consumer-driven movement focuses on reducing artificial additives and emphasizing natural ingredients. Large retailers also tend to prefer products without artificial dyes. Therefore, Korean food exporters must quickly improve their ingredients to meet global consumer demands.

The most important task is to replace artificial dyes with natural dyes. However, natural dyes may have weaker color properties or higher costs, requiring new manufacturing processes and cost-saving strategies.

Korean food companies need to thoroughly analyze the food regulations of major countries like the U.S. FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and make ingredient improvements accordingly. While some artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) are still allowed in the U.S., there is a high likelihood that they will gradually be phased out due to changes in consumer perception. Adding a ‘No Artificial Colors’ label on product packaging can also be an effective marketing strategy.

The ban on artificial dyes presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Korean food exporters. Although there may be initial costs involved, gaining market trust with healthier products using natural dyes can enhance brand competitiveness.

Emphasizing healthy K-FOOD in overseas markets will be a successful strategy moving forward. Korean food companies should actively embrace this change and seize the opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.

Source: Food and Beverage News (http://www.thinkfood.co.kr)"**

Feel free to contact us

jay@jnbfoodconsulting.com or 714-873-5566

저작권자 © 식품음료신문 무단전재 및 재배포 금지

출처 : 식품음료신문(http://www.thinkfood.co.kr)