Tyson Foods announced on Monday (September 15) that it will stop using certain ingredients in its products sold in the United States by the end of this year, such as high fructose corn syrup.
According to Reuters, the food company is seeking alternative ingredients in response to the “Reclaiming Health in America” movement initiated by U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aimed at eliminating artificial colors in packaged foods sold in the United States.
Tyson Foods stated on Monday that its brands, including Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm meat products, will also cease using ingredients such as trichlorosucrose, titanium dioxide, and the artificial synthetic antioxidants BHA/BHT. However, the company also noted that these removed ingredients have all been approved by the FDA for safe use.
Donnie King, CEO of Tyson Foods, said, “We continue to review and assess our product portfolio to ensure we provide the highest quality products that meet consumer demand.”
Earlier this year, the company had already removed petroleum-based synthetic colors from its products.
Alex Jarombek, senior analyst at research firm Consumer Edge, stated that clean label initiatives often prompt consumers to purchase products. This means that the fewer artificial additives such as preservatives on the labels, the more likely people are to buy.
Tyson Foods raised its annual revenue forecast in August, betting on increased consumer demand for chicken, while the company is also working to address losses in its beef business due to beef shortages.
Kennedy has been critical of the sugar intake in American diets and has indicated that the updated dietary guidelines will recommend Americans to consume “natural foods.”
In July of this year, President Trump announced on his social media platform “Truth Social” that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its cola products exported to the American market.
Coca-Cola has traditionally used corn syrup in its American products. This sweetener has been widely used due to its low cost and stable source. However, Health Secretary Kennedy has previously warned of its potential health risks.