For the first time in the more than 2 weeks since we launched our petition asking Kraft to remove artificial dyes from their line of macaroni and cheese, Kraft has finally acknowledged our petition and the more than 270,000 consumers who have signed it. (Transcript of video below)
Our Video Response To Kraft's Latest Letter
Kraft's Letter Posted on their Website (This was not sent to us directly)
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Our Video Transcript:
Their response, posted on their website (no longer available), states that 14 of their 45 or so varieties of macaroni and cheese do not contain artificial dyes and the ones that do contain dyes do not violate any FDA or European safety guidelines. However, they failed to mention that when these artificial dyes are used in Europe they require a warning label stating they “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
First of all, the macaroni and cheese options here in the US have the similar “blue box” look and every single version that is geared toward children, with cartoon characters and phrases like “cheddar explosion,” all contain petroleum-based yellow #5 and yellow #6. The average American consumer is not versed on reading and understanding ingredient labels so would not even be able to determine the difference among all these similar looking boxes and - more importantly - many likely don’t realize these dyes are the culprit when it comes to their child’s misbehavior and other health issues.
We’ve received hundreds of letters from consumers telling us how these artificial dyes have negatively impacted their children. And, coincidentally, just last week a friend of Lisa’s sent her message saying that her normally smart, kind, very obedient, and well-behaved child - who is in the gifted and talented program at her school - had a very strange and disturbing outburst and she wasn’t sure why. Their family normally eats pretty clean, but she happened to let her daughter have a store-bought treat, and shortly thereafter she had a huge explosive meltdown. She said the last time a meltdown of this magnitude occurred was also right after a similar store-bought snack – which after some discussion we determined both contained artificial dye. This is what she said in her message, her "daughter’s actual FACE changed, her eyes became dark underneath and she became angry and irrational.” At one point - and she was even a little embarrassed to tell me this - her daughter “yelled, opened the door to the house, and ran outside uncontrollably.” Later that night she cried and said ‘Why did I do that mommy?’”
This is exactly why those telling us “Just don’t buy this mac and cheese anymore” won’t work. Because as we mentioned the average consumer doesn’t understand these artificial dyes are a problem ingredient and pose health risks and should be avoided. We have directly reached out to various executives at Kraft since day 1 of our petition through emails, voice mails and tweets. They continue to ignore us personally, and all we’d like to do is meet with them to come to some sort of conclusion so we can all move on.
We even had our blog readers reach out to Kraft through social media and the Kraft customer service hotline. There were so many voice mail messages left at the headquarters that we were told by many that they couldn’t get through or even leave a message because their mailboxes were full. And by the looks of both the Kraft general and Kraft Mac and Cheese Facebook pages they have been overwhelmed with comments about this campaign, with over 95% of them asking Kraft to remove these artificial dyes from their mac and cheese, just like they’ve already done for their European customers.
One reader who attempted to call the Kraft headquarters was told that the organic version of Kraft Mac and Cheese was one option she could buy without the artificial dye – yet after the customer service rep did a quick search using her zip code he could not find that particular product within a 50-mile radius of her home. And she isn’t exactly out in rural America…she lives in one of the biggest cities in our country, Chicago, which also happens to be right where Kraft is headquartered!
Also, in Kraft’s response last week they claim that their customers don’t want them to make changes to this iconic product. Who are the people who want their mac and cheese with artificial dyes? These dyes, which only benefit the food manufacturer and not the customer, do not change the flavor or affect the nutritional value of the foods they are in. They are purely for cosmetic reasons only. So who are these consumers that Kraft says “won’t settle for anything less?” Clearly Kraft has already figured out a way to formulate their original recipe without artificial dyes for their customers in Europe. We made and tried both versions ourselves – and so did Dr. Oz on his show – and we all came to the same conclusion that they look and taste virtually the same.
We’d like to stress that Kraft has not only removed artificial dyes from their mac and cheese overseas, they have removed them - and replaced them with safer natural dyes - from almost ALL of their product lines including Lunchables, Trident Gum, Ritz Cheese Crackers, and Halls Cough Drops, just to name a few. And here in the US we are simply asking them to start with their flagship product, macaroni and cheese, which they reportedly sell 350 million boxes of per year. (No wonder they haven’t responded favorably to our petition yet.) But their lack of response is not going to stop us from trying to get them to take the lead on this small – yet significant and positive – change for our food industry.
If you want to get involved with our campaign to request that these artificial dyes be removed here are some things you can do to help:
Help Us Get Our Voices Heard
- Sign and SHARE our petition at change.org/kraftyellow
- Contact Kraft headquarters to tell them how you feel about their response. You can call their general lines 800-323-0768 or 847-646-2000 or 800-431-1001 or one of the branding managers at 847.646.5734
- Tell them how you feel on their FB wall at https://www.facebook.com/kraftmacaroniandcheese or https://www.facebook.com/KraftFoods
- Send them a tweet at @kraftfoods or @kraftmacncheese
- Or email them at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
- Vote with your dollars by choosing macaroni and cheese and other products from brands that do not use artificial dyes.
Thank you to everyone who is helping to support this campaign. We feel it’s an important one and, based on the more than a quarter million signatures we’ve received at change.org/kraftyellow, clearly we are not alone. We can’t wait to celebrate with you when Kraft finally removes these unnecessary – yet potentially harmful – artificial dyes.
100 Days of Real Food & Food Babe
Baunie says
Kraft's response was a veiled "F**K YOU" response. Apparently, they do not want to negotiate and do not care what the consumer thinks. Hey, Obama got re-elected, so the general population MUST be stupid.
BAN KRAFT. Ban everything and everyone that is affiliated with them. You are afraid of food dyes? You're afraid of food chemicals?? Then stay far, far away from ANYTHING Kraft has to offer. Stop eating their processed foods! Eat whole, real foods. Lean meats, veg, fruit, etc. make your own Mac N Cheese. It's not that difficult, takes just as long and TASTES better.
Don't fight fire with fire. Fight them with gasoline.
Less Sugar Naturally says
I'm glad you girls aren't giving up. It's true going after the FDA might seem like a logical choice but the FDA is so corrupt it won't care what citizens think. Hopefully everyone out there that wonders why the FDA won't do anything will have learned a big lesson....never leave your food safety to the government. They don't care. As far as Kraft goes, I agree it is a great target to work with. But, I think that they think, changing means admitting wrong..admitting carelessness, deceit...admitting that they put profits above our children's health....and that we won't trust their family friendly brand anymore. Like a stubborn child they hoping we forget and the masses continue to blindly buy their poison. I hardly buy Kraft as is...but I won't buy Kraft at all now because of their callous response.
Crystal says
Keep it up ladies!!! This is SOOO much bigger than Mac&cheese and all the publicity is causing people to ask questions. This IS how change happens.
tracy says
Thank you for commencing this fight. I believe they WILL listen (as they have in other countries) to consumer demand. I will not buy ANY Kraft products until they have resolved this issue!
Amanda says
Have you thought of going straight to the FDA? Sometimes you have to shake the tree to get the apples to fall.... Also, what about teaming up with something like "the biggest looser" to help educate the masses about food dye and its researched negative effects? They seem to be all about educating the masses and tackling
childhood obesity... I would be happy to help reach out to either option, if its a route you'd like to take.
Michelle Ritchie | Delicious Karma says
What a lame response (or lack thereof) by Kraft. Well, I'm not terribly surprised. I frankly do not buy any of their products...far too processed and not very healthy. It's better just to make it yourself, with whole wheat noodles, if you can. My Mom used to substitute half the cheese with cottage cheese and we kids loved it! Healthier and pretty darn tasty. It does take a little more time, but its FAR better for you!
Thank you for helping to make others aware of the side effects of artificial colors and flavors...and helping to inspire us to help spread the word. I knew they were unhealthy, but even I was surprised at the impact it has on behavioral issues with kids. Its a blog topic on my list to write.
Nicole says
Wow, Kraft. Could you be anymore condescending?
Note to self: No more buying *any* Kraft product.
Sheesh.
Wendy says
Ever feel like you're beating your head against a wall?
I'm thinking you should be putting all of this effort toward the Food & Drug Administration!
The FDA is *supposed* to be there to protect Americans, correct?
But they seem to be working for "whoever" puts the most money in their pocket.
Maybe all of your effort (& Press) would find better results if you "move up the food chain", so to speak.
=-)
Love your site! Thanks so much for all the education/recipes/etc!
Hilary says
1. Even if you don't eat it, the kids who DO are affecting your kids at school, taking teacher resources, etc.
2. Great example of how profits drive corporations -- don't think a "family"-geared company is necessarily interested in the best for your family.
3. One previous commenter nailed it: until their pockets get the memo, they can (literally) afford to ignore the petitioners. How about instead of just a simple boycott, you RETURN all the Kraft products in your pantry? That would send a message. ;)
Rebecca says
I agree. Boycott Kraft. Return any kraft products not opened.
Kerry says
I think it is great that you are trying to encourage companies to make our food healthier, especially for those that are not aware of the dangers of some additives to food products. I am somewhat new at this so often continue to use products with dyes and other chemicals; I am working on a slow change. One thing people need to know is that they do NOT have to eat Kraft M & C. Perhaps it is because my children do not like macaroni and cheese, I have been lucky to be able to avoid it. But I have discovered homemade recipes that taste much better and use real ingredients :) Continue to encourage consumers to eat REAL FOOD!
I enjoy reading your posts and am learning a lot from your research...thank you for sharing all you have learned!
Kerry Backes
Molly says
I'm sorry, I just commented but the more I thought about it once I stepped away the more it bothered me. How can a company say their highest priority is the safety of their consumers and not be proactive in this? If there is even a hint of suspicion that artificial dyes are harmful in other countries (I know it's more than a hint) then why not truly take safety as a priority? And why on earth are they turning down an opportunity here to actually INCREASE their bottom line by being the leader in this? People who do buy processed foods (I don't buy it anyways) would be all over that. I went grocery shopping last night and I didn't purchase a single Kraft product. Not because of the dyes even, just because I don't want to support a company that is choosing to take the route they are. I can't support them any longer. PS: We are cutting processed foods but there are some things we havn't switched yet like bbq sauce. Good thing was, there was a great option with only a couple of ingredients next to it on the shelf. Not sure why I didn't switch sooner.
Tina says
Thank you so much for continuing to fight this! I sent Kraft an email in support of this effort yesterday. I can't beleive that you've received so many negative comments about this. They all come from selfish people who don't care about helping those that can't or don't know how to help themselves. Thank goodness there are people out there like you you and Food Babe or the world would be in much worse shape than it is now. These comments really disgust me.
Molly says
Keep at it! So ,inch of this is education! We are just not educated in this country when it comes to our food! I do believe things are changing though. And more of this stuff will hopefully wake companies up to realize they need to be proactive and change but if not, at least a lot more people are learning about their food. I always think about the BPA that used to be in every bottle. Once it came out all of those companies changed. Maybe this will be the same way!!
BOKinLarksville says
It is obvious Kraft's response is nothing more than the P.R. Department hard at work.. These corporations fueled by greed are no different than politicians seeking election.. They will push their Mothers in front of a bus to get what they want.. The only way to force change, is to hit them where it hurts.. STOP BUYING THEIR POISON!! They only care about profits, take it away from them.. Support companies that care about their product, and not just their bottom line.. Support Annie's products, or better yet make and freeze your own.. Our kids love Annie's instant Mac-n-Cheese.. Add some paprika or annatto powder if you need that freaky color
Rachel says
When I first saw this petition I was thrilled that someone was finally trying to make a Big food company change. However; I am now very annoyed with how you guys are going about this. Just because you leave Kraft a message or dislike them on FB does not mean they are going to change. Until people stop buying their products and they start losing money they will never change. Perfect example would be the tobacco companies. People protested and started petetions to get them to stop advertising on TV and stop selling their products. Did it work... NO. The tobacco company hasn't lost any money. And dumb people still buy their product even with the stupid warning on the label. The point is no matter how much guys say or do a company isn't going to change or stop making a product until the government makes them. You guys are probely just wasting your breath and are getting on people's nervous! Oh and BTW my family eats clean and keeps artificial dyes out of our cabinets because my son has extreme food allergies.
Kaitlin says
The last link on the page to change.org/kraftyellow isn't working correctly. :)
Lori B. says
FYI, I am regularly chosen in live focus group studies for paper products and food. 2 years ago, I looked crazy making comments about additives, dyes, chemicals, etc. The most recent 2 everyone at the table made comments about dyes, chemicals, HFCs, GM ingredients, and dairy products where cows were treated with rBGHs, reading labels, looking for "trick words" etc. it is slow, but it IS happening. :) Remember, focus groups are made up of rich, poor, black, white, college educated, not, homeowners, renters, etc. At those tables, you have nothing in common with these people, but you do when it comes to chemicals in our food!!
Mimi Marla says
Very easy to control, DO NOT purchase the products!
Anna says
We've switch to Annie's Mac & Cheese. I tried to cut this "staple" food from our house completely but as a Mom of three under the age of five I had to keep a few quick go-to meals or give up my sanity. The Annie's Mac & Cheese tastes great and is produced with No Artificial Flavors, Synthetic Colors, or Preservatives. Plus, at around $1.30 it is still a cheap lunch and totally satisfying with some apple slices and peas. If Kraft won't change, then we may have to!
Amy U says
Yay for Annie's!!! Same situation here.
eva says
so, why do they need 45 versions of their mac & cheese? seems a bit excessive and overwhelming.
Angie says
I've been keeping up with this story and am so disappointed to hear Kraft's response! It bothers me terribly that as a collective whole companies (including Kraft Foods) have opted to create products based soley on the bottom line versus based on quality. I have sent Kraft an email (not that I expect it to sway them...sadly)and have made the decision to not purchase their products ("healthier alternatives" included here!)until I see a true effort on Kraft's part to ensure Americans have the same access to foods they produce in other countries made without harmful additives.
Keep up the fight! I've just recently discovered your blog and we are transitioning over to a healthier lifestyle. Thank you for all of the information you post-it makes this transition easier!
Beth says
Upon reading Kraft's ignorant reponse regarding the dyes and artificial flavors, I will NOT purchase ANY Kraft products, dye free or not. This includes salad dressings and anything else they make. The health and welfare of our children and adullts is of the upmost importance to me. I have an autoimmune disease, that by my research, is because I cannot eliminate toxins from my body. Since starting this elimination process of unnatural products, chemicals and dyes, etc, I feel so much better. My pain is minimal, when and if I have flare ups. Bye bye Kraft!
Johanna @ Designer's Golden Touch says
We do not buy Kraft products since we have gone organic and avoid processed food. So glad that Americans are becoming more aware of the harmful ingredients in a lot of foods!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignersGoldenTouch
amy r says
I am SO happy you are doing this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you are concerned about the other consumers who just aren't educated on this topic. We all learn about things at different times and at different rates. We need these products to change first WHILE we are trying to educate people about them. I found your original post one day a few weeks or so ago after being so frustrated over a very difficult week with my children. After reading it, it hit me that they had a special "treat" purchased for them (cold cereal with every color imaginable in it) and had been eating it for breakfast and after dinner. They don't normally have this much artificial food color in their diets (although we are far from eating clean or completely real) but I noticed a marked change in all 3 of them! I walked over to the trash can and threw it away and then started to teach my kids about artificial food colors. The looks on their faces when I told them what they made the colors out of were hilarious. They asked and wanted to know why anyone would put that in our foods! We are in a huge process of changing the foods we eat and now the kids are on board. They understand that we have to read labels and that we are going to taste test and find other products to replace the ones they are used to- like Kraft Mac and Cheese. We will not buy any of it until it not only has the artificial colors removed but any other dangerous or artificial chemicals removed as well. Thank you so much for pushing so hard for so many. It is worth it. :)
Amy says
I really want to say thank you for doing all that you and Vani are doing to raise awareness and get the large food corporations to make changes. You have certainly helped me open my eyes. I have avoided artificial food dyes for awhile, but recently, I started paying a little more attention. One of my favorite things is pickled pepperoncinis. I went to the store to buy more and decided to take a look at the ingredients, how much could really been in there? My heart sank when I saw that every single brand of pepperoncinis on the shelf (6 brands available) all contained Yellow #5. It looks like I will be making my own from now on.
Kristin says
I agree, it is sad that even pickles need to contain artificial dye. I make my own refrigerator pickles in the summer(cucumber season) as they are one of my daughter's favorites. This January I decided to buy her a jar from the grocery store as a birthday treat only to see yellow #5. Needless to say, I put the jar back on the shelf and went back to the produce section for some cucumbers and a bunch of dill. I just found some dye free cukes and other pickled veggies at the indoor farmer's market last Saturday.
Gail says
Thanks so much to both of you for leading this campaign. As a former elementary school teacher, mother, and about-to-be grandmother, this issue is near and dear to my heart. I do not believe we can grow healthy, strong, empowered children with fake food, and have seen first-hand what the consumption of additive laden foods can do to the behavior and mood of children. As those who are caretakers of and advocates for children, we are going to have to be the ones to force change from the bottom up, because the food industry is not going to do it willingly. Kudos to you for taking this step! You have my support and voice!
Keira says
I like that you're doing something, but I have to say... I wont eat Kraft even if they did take out the yucky stuff. Their moral code and stick-it-to-the-consumer attitude means even if they changed the product, I still can't support their bottom line. They lost my business long before this. And changing a few dyes grudgingly isn't going to bring my business back. Even if they had jumped at the chance, they've let their intentions to protect themselves and their bottomline be so clear and speak so loudly, I don't want to give them a dime.
And honestly, my food tastes better.
Jason Z. Columbus says
Ok, I must admit, when my wife first brought this to my attention, I passed it to the side and thought it to be just another waste of time. After all, I grew up on Kraft Mac & Cheese, and I turned out ok (well, some would argue otherwise :))
But then came our son Emerson, and he was diagnosed with ADHD at a very young age. Needless to say, it's been a trying couple of years. Is Kraft to blame for my son's ADHD? Absolutely not, but knowingly keeping certain dyes and ingrediants that contribute to behavorial issues in children FOR NO REASON AT ALL is just mind blowing to me!
I must admit that I don't necessarily eat all that healthy, but my wife is trying. However, she makes sure that her and our two children are eating the right things. We used to love to grab a box of Mac & Cheese and make up the delicious treat for lunch. However, after learning more about what goes into that little blue box, we have decided to take it off our shelves. I am completely disgusted at Kraft’s response, and feel ashamed that I was contributing to some adverse behavioral affects in my son every time he dug his plastic dinosaur spoon into that creamy, delicious, YET tainted food.
Keep up the fight, and know that all great things start small. From one family in Columbus, Ohio to those at Kraft...shame on you, and do us all a favor and put all your little blue boxes of Mac & Cheese in the one place it belongs... in a giant box six feet under.
Jason Z. Columbus says
Must have had a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese this morning! Just went back and saw that I spelled ingredients and and behavioral wrong in my post! hahahaha
Carol says
I think that this is a wonderful campaign. As a teacher of children with special needs, I have seen many parents struggle to afford to buy natural alternatives to these hideous dyes/preservatives. We all have to remember that this is so much bigger than just costing Kraft 10cents more a box here in the States. I'm sure if you dig deeper you will see that Kraft (along with other food companies) are in bed with pharmaceutical companies. Don't you see the writing on the wall? Keep the dyes, keep the ADHD on the rise, keep the need for the meds. It is cheaper than Kraft wants to admit to change the recipe. See, in Europe there are not these huge pharmaceutical companies therefore the back alley deals aren't even possible! Bottom line, these big companies need our children as lab rats and it is time to expose their game!!! Lets boycott Kraft products as a whole and make a dent in this for our kids!!
KrysRNY says
Thank you for keeping us updated. Given the circumstances that Kraft DOES have an alternative option already produced and doesn't have to adjust the recipe is astounding. Moving forward I am removing any Kraft product from my grocery options. They are of no use to my health and clearly they agree with me.
Kraft has options...and so do I
Megan Hall says
I just wanted to thank you for having this blog and educating others on real food. I've been doing a lot of research lately and want to begin to transition to more of a real food diet. I plan on writing a blog post of my own about this subject with Kraft. I know it's not much, but I hope it helps spread the word.
FRANK ( COOLBRESE ) CALABRESE says
HERE`S A TOUGHT, TRY THIS WHY NOT TRY TO GET EACH & EVERYONE OF TO BOYCOT THE KRAFT BRAND & THE F.D.A. ADMIN., UNTIL SOMETHING IS FINALLY DONE ABOUT THIS , IT JUST SEEMS LIKE & I AGREE WITH EVERYONE HERE THAT THESE DYES ARE GOING TO CAUSE A HEALTH SCARE , & WHO DOES IT AFFECT IN THE LONG RUN IS OUR FUTURES ! OUR KIDS , WE ONLY BUT THIS BECAUSE OF THEM , PLUS THE DYES ALSO EXTEND THE SHELF LIFE THE PRODUCT IT`S USED IN , NO ONE REALLY KNOWS JUST HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SITTING BOXED UP AFTER MANUFACTURING,THEN IT SITS AFTER BEEING SHIPPED, THEN SITS AFTER REACHING THE STORES WHAREHOUSE, THEN SHIPS TO THE STORES, THEN SITS ON THE SHELVES FOR GOD KNOWS HOW LONG ! THINK OF ALL THAT TIME SITTING , YES SEALED UP IN THAT WHITE POUCH, THEN THE NOODLES ARE NOT PROTECTED EITHER ! HAS ANYONE EVER OPENED A BOX JUST TO SEE THE NOODLES STUCK TO THE TOPS OR THE BOTTOMS ? THE GLUES ARE ALSO DANGEROUS ! MICE JUST LOVE THE SMELL OF THE PRODUCT ! ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE RESPOND TO MY E-MAIL @ [email protected], THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME .
Michelle A says
I just sent them an email. Here's what it said. "I am finished with the carefully worded emails about my concerns for your use of dyes and other unnecessary additives in the products that you sell. Your letter to fans is a load of crap! Basically, what it says to me is that you don't care about the health of Americans, especially children. You have permanenly lost this "fan". I will not be buying Kraft products ever again until you provide Americans with the same, more whole food, alternatives that you do other countries. I am done with your company and your products. I'm positive that I'm not the only one, so good luck with that."
Janine Burns says
Well done ladies! I fully support the effort and want to know where I can get the bumper sticker.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Janine! Not sure that a bumper sticker is in the works. ;) ~Amy
Liz says
I think it's great that you've targeted Kraft, and not the FDA. The words "fast" and "Federal" cannot be put in the same sentence. It is infinitely easier for privately owned and even publicly traded companies to move, make changes, and generally set the standards in their own industries. They are doing this all the time in order to remain relevant and profitable; that's what market research is all about!
Taking on one massive company sends a message loud and clear to the corporate food industry. Namely that consumers will not be satisfied with mere adherence to the bare minimum of woefully inadequate government regulations. We expect more from the companies we keep in business. We expect them to hear our voices and create products that we can buy with confidence. After all, that is what they are here to do isn't it? Find out what people want, deliver it, and turn a profit? Dear Kraft, stop hiding behind FDA regulations and open your eyes to the potentially lucrative market that is concerned parents and their kids!
Kristi says
Hello
I do think we are making strides in getting our voices heard but I cant help and wonder if perhaps we should be directing all of this effort directly at the FDA? Kraft has made it clear that they tend to do nothing just because the FDA says it is "OK" I understand that from a business end it makes sense to take the useless coloring out but I have been looking at more and more labels and all of them contain Yellow # 5 and 6. Yes Kraft would be a good start but wouldnt the FDA be able to put an end to this faster then if we try to take on each company one at a time?
Lisa says
Kristi - Others before us have already petitioned the FDA and gotten nowhere. That's exactly why we took a different stance because we know if enough consumers demand it Big Food will (hopefully) make a change for the better. Our thought is that if Kraft improves their line of mac and cheese that other products/companies will follow suit.
Erin Weed says
The other day my daughter brought home a mac n cheese package that she "purchased" at her school's reward store. I was torn between letting her just enjoy her reward and educating her about making good food choices. I finally decided it just wasn't the time for a food lesson. She obviously chose this reward because it isn't something she gets to eat at home, but it made me realize that I need to do more work educating her about food in general. I wish the food sold in stores was actually food--life would be so much easier for us parents.
Kate says
WOW that response basically equates to one big eye-roll by Kraft.
Emily says
I fully support this effort and look forward to seeing it, and others like it, succeed.
But, I'm curious, in what way do "these dyes, only benefit the food manufacturer and not the customer"? How are they a benefit to the manufacturer? They're paying for something that they could just get rid of and not pay for ever again, therefore saving costs. They're already steadily losing customers (most likely, I haven't seen research) through people learning about the foods adverse effects. So how does it not seem even beneficial to them? If Yoplait can take out corn syrup, why can't Kraft take out dyes?
Lisa says
Emily - It benefits the manufacturers because it's a cheap (and fake) way to make the food look more appealing...so you'll buy and eat more of it! :)
Emily says
I totally understand that, but what I mean is if "Clearly Kraft has already figured out a way to formulate their original recipe without artificial dyes for their customers in Europe. We made and tried both versions ourselves – and so did Dr. Oz on his show – and we all came to the same conclusion that they look and taste virtually the same.
We’d like to stress that Kraft has not only removed artificial dyes from their mac and cheese overseas, they have removed them – and replaced them with safer natural dyes – from almost ALL of their product lines..."
Then how is it beneficial to them here in the US? Does the US version bring in more than the UK version? It just makes me wonder if money really is the issue or if there's another reason they refuse to shift in the US. It just doesn't seem beneficial in any sense considering the possibilities and their ability to do the same thing in other places. Why not make the change across the board?
Lisa says
It's definitely still cheaper to use artificial dyes as opposed to natural dyes (what they use in Europe). The European version costs about 10 cents more (in American dollars). And I am sure they sell a lot more boxes of mac and cheese in the US vs. Europe so until they start losing money on it they might not care about making this change! I hope that makes sense.
Matt says
Emily, Lisa is correct. I also offer three other "explanations" (by way of devil's advocate): One, because they can. There are no federal, state, or local restrictions in the U.S. on these dyes in "foods". To change would cause problems and disruptions in Kraft's domestic supply chains, which means a dent to domestic profits, not to mention re-negotiating existing contracts with suppliers. And, why should Kraft be the first to make such a "drastic change" if they would be the only one? Simple, based on Kraft's own analysis, the profit gain from such a switch would not mitigate the profit loss; Two (which is related to one), because many large manufacturers are no longer based in single countries, they are and can be "multi-national". Example: tobacco companies sell "stronger" cigarettes in Europe than they do here in the U.S. Another example: McDonalds sells veggie burgers in India and shrimp burgers in Hong Kong. Both items are not available here (yet); and Three, dyes and other "additives" -- my personal favorite is the term "Spices" on lots of products, which can be anything from oregano and salt to fish and other animal "gelatins" (don't ask!) -- replicate "natural" food color and taste. If you're eating something that's seventy-five to ninety percent manufactured anyway, what's the point of subtracting a dye here and there? How much are people willing to sacrifice taste, time, and money for if convenience takes care of all that?
I'm not suggesting I agree with these "explanations". No. Experience tells me, however, that if you could speak to people "off the record", these would be the tone of the responses to your concerns you'd receive.
Lindsay says
I'm convinced of one more reason:
When our kids act out and we don't know that a food additive is the cause, how many are diagnosed? Millions. How many are prescribed meds? Millions. How much money is then going back into the pockets of those supporting the FDA? Hundreds of millions.
This goes so far beyond a few cents a box.
Jamie King says
Another small thing: Encourage your friends to "unlike" the Kraft and the Mac and Cheese FB pages.
Lori B. says
YES! You have to LIKE to comment, but then UNLIKE!