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The largest American provider of fast-food meats has announced that it will be altering its recipes to comply with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative against food additives.
Tyson Foods, headquartered in
Arkansas
and includes establishments like McDonald’s, Taco Bell,
KFC
,
Burger King
, with Popeyes being one of its major clients, claims it has been ‘taking proactive steps to reformulate’ food items that contain petroleum-derived artificial colors.
There are at least
Seven pigments that fit within this classification
: Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 — all of which have been associated with
cancer
and hyperactivity.
Tyson has committed to removing the dyes from the products by the end of this month, and these updates have been communicated to their clients.
Tyson Foods additionally holds ownership over numerous well-known brands such as Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farms, Ball Park, Wright Brand, Aidells, State Fair, and Big AZ.
A review conducted by newsinpo.site revealed that numerous items available at grocery stores and from food sellers, such as their Big AZ Chili Cheese Dogs, Hillshire Farm Cheddarwurst Dinner Sausages, and Big AZ Angus Cheddar Cheeseburgers, include artificial colorants and flavors; however, the specific dye details are not provided on the company’s website.
The ingredient list for certain items merely indicates that artificial colors or flavors have been incorporated.
Donnie King, the CEO of Tyson Foods, did not comment on how these modifications would affect the taste of their items.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that mصند
Most of the meat company’s store-brand items, such as Tyson chicken nuggets, do not include artificial colorings.
Alternative natural coloring agents used instead of synthetic ones employed by major food companies encompass components such as beetroot extract, pomegranate juice concentrate, turmeric powder, saffron threads, carrot juice, and paprika.
King stated that none of the items offered by Tyson in school nutrition programs contain petroleum-based synthetic colors.
The firm provides various edibles to educational institutions such as chicken patties, meatloaf, beef burgers, and hotdogs.
It doesn’t reveal the specific count of schools it directly provides for in the US.
Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated earlier this month that the administration intends to eliminate artificial food coloring from the U.S. food supply. They plan to do so by rescinding approvals for certain additives and collaborating with businesses to phase out others voluntarily.
Kennedy stated that eliminating additives from foods was crucial for tackling chronic illnesses in children. Without providing proof, he implied that this measure could also help with an increase in various conditions, including ADHD and food allergies.
A
2021 report
From California’s Environmental Protection Agency, it was also reported that artificial dyes may be associated with ‘increased hyperactivity and other neurological issues’ in certain children, especially those who have ADHD or similar behavioral conditions.
Red 40 along with Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 includes benzidine, which is classified as a carcinogen for both humans and animals but allowed at minimal concentrations.
According to the
FDA
Ingestion of free benzidine increases the cancer risk to slightly below the ‘concern’ threshold, which equates to approximately one case of cancer per 1 million individuals.
BHT, on the other hand, serves as a preservative to maintain freshness in foods. Additionally, it can be present in cosmetic items such as lip balms and moisturizers, along with chewing gums.
Research findings on BHT vary; however, certain studies indicate that prolonged exposure may lead to liver and thyroid problems in mice due to hormonal imbalances.
Various states have taken measures to prohibit or limit these additives. In 2024,
California was the first state to become
To prohibit schools from providing food items that include Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 6, and Green 3.
And
New York state authorities requested the displacement
Of Red Dye No. 3, propylparaben, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, azodicarbonamide, and BHA.
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