One of America’s biggest retailers, Walmart, has been making news headlines due to the massive changes the retailer is making. A big decision was made to remove some of the ingredients from over 1,000 of the retailer’s special store-branded items. However, the company stated that they are only doing what the consumers asked for. Since Walmart is known to put the interest of its consumers first, this should not come as a surprise.
Details about the overhaul
Walmart announced on Wednesday that the company is planning on removing synthetic dyes. Also, with this removal comes the removal of 30 other ingredients, which include artificial sweeteners and preservatives, from its private-label food brands by 2027. The retailer mentioned that the change would affect around 1,000 products.
Some of these products include salty snacks, baked goods, power drinks, salad dressings, and frosting. Consumers can expect to see some of these reformulated products on shelves in the coming months. Walmart told the Associated Press that the changes primarily affect Great Value, which is the retailer’s biggest private-label food brand.
A massive change in the ingredients
Between the preservatives Walmart stated that the company will remove potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite and potassium bisulfite. These are well known ingredients that are known to be used in processed meats. The retailer also alluded to the removal of phthalates, which is a chemical used to make plastic flexible. This is an ingredient that is widely found in supermarket and fast foods.
In addition, several of the ingredients on Walmart’s removal list, includes some of the 30 non-dyes. These are ingredients that has already been banned, because it is not widely used or have not been used in the United States food supply for decades. Other ingredients were included despite there were no known problems identified. According to food safety experts, some of these items were also not targeted by the Trump administration for review and possible elimination as an approved food additive.
According to Walmart, 90% of the company’s private brand products are already free from synthetic dyes. This announcement comes amid a broader effort by food manufacturers eliminate dyes from their products. In the past few months, Kraft Heinz and General Mills have also both they’re nixing dyes.
The reason for Walmart’s decision
Walmart, which serves over 250 million consumers a week on an international platform, billed the change as a means to address the changing of preferences consumers. As stated by Walmart United States Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Furner, they listened to what the consumers asked for. He further explained that consumers told the company that they want simpler products that contains more familiar ingredients.
In addition, the company also stated that the decision is in line with its goal to be more transparent. This is the case especially referring to what goes into its private food brands, which include Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed and Bettergoods.
According to Brian Ronholm, the director of food policy at Consumer Reports, “As the leading grocer in the U.S., this move will have a significant impact on the market and the safety of the food that so many Americans purchase for their families.”
Moreover, the federal government increased scrutiny on the possible health effects that occurs due to artificial food dyes. In April, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urged the food industry to stop using synthetic food dyes. HHS stated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be working with the food industry to try to eliminate six remaining synthetic food dyes.
It is also important to note that Walmart has previously taken steps to cater to health-conscious consumers. In 2012, the retail giant started labeling produce and other food products with a “Great For You” icon. The reason for this was to demonstrate that they meet certain nutritional standards.