(Reuters) -Walmart said on Wednesday it would remove synthetic dyes from its U.S. private-label foods, including the Great Value and bettergoods brands, by January 2027, joining several other companies
amid pressure from the Trump administration.
Major packaged food makers, including PepsiCo, Campbell's and Conagra Brands, have made similar announcements in recent months, in response to the administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cracked down on ultraprocessed food and chemical additives, saying they have led to a national crisis of childhood obesity, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, allergies and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Walmart also plans to eliminate more than 30 other ingredients such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its private-label assortment.
The company said the move reflected consumer demand for simpler, more transparent ingredients, adding that 90% of its private-brand foods are synthetic dye-free currently.
"Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients — and we’ve listened," said Walmart U.S. president John Furner.
The retailer is working with private-brand suppliers to adjust formulations and source alternative ingredients. Reformulated products, from canned and frozen foods to cereals and salads, will begin rolling out in the coming months, Walmart said.
Walmart's private-label lineup is anchored by its largest brand, Great Value, alongside other store brands such as Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and the premium bettergoods, which have been a big draw among bargain-hunting Americans.
Its membership chain Sam's Club said in June it would remove artificial colors, aspartame and other ingredients from its Member's Mark brand by the end of the year.
(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru. Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Mark Potter)
