FYI - Today I am appearing on the Dr. Oz Show along with Vani (aka Food Babe) to discuss our petition - be sure to tune in!
It's been a little over one week since we started a petition to remove artificial food dyes from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. We have over 228,000 signatures, and counting, and while we heard from Kraft right after the petition launched, it was not the response we were hoping for.
We thought it would be important to share their response and exact letter with you, so you can understand exactly what we are up against.
Below you'll see Kraft's letter to us along with our specific response and reaction in bold.
From Kraft: Hi Lisa and Vani,
Thanks for contacting us. The safety and quality of our products is our highest priority and we take consumer concerns very seriously. We carefully follow the laws and regulations in the countries where our products are sold. So in the U.S., we only use colors that are approved and deemed safe for food use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Our Response: When Kraft found out the safety of artificial food dyes was in question in Europe - why didn't they make the "safety" of U.S. citizens their highest priority, too? Food is food - whether in our country or someone else’s - why not make all Kraft products standardized to the highest safety regulation across the board? Kraft was able to reformulate their products without artificial dyes in the U.K. without noticeably changing the color or taste - we even taste tested it ourselves just to prove this point. We know it can be done; Kraft doesn't have to reinvent the wheel.
To further prove this point - Kraft stated this fact themselves by reformulating Lunchables in the UK without "compromising quality, taste and food safety."
“Kraft Foods UK has no products aimed at children that contain the ingredients highlighted in the FSA [Southampton] study. . . . [W]ith our recent Lunchables reformulation in the UK, we reduced fat and salt, as well as removed artificial colours and flavours. Without compromising quality, taste and food safety, we will continue to see where we can make changes and still meet consumer expectations.”—Kraft Foods UK (Quote Taken from AllergyKids Foundation)
Because Kraft has not willingly and proactively reformulated their products in the US, it's obvious to us that Kraft’s highest priority is their bottom line. We are asking Kraft, a multi-billion dollar company, to be the leader in the US Food Industry by voluntarily removing artificial dyes and owning up to the statements they make about safety and quality of their products.
From Kraft: We expanded our line of KRAFT Mac & Cheese (KMC) offerings. We know some people prefer foods without certain ingredients -- we now offer a multitude of products without added colors, as well as products with natural food colors including:
- KMC Organic White Cheddar
- KMC Organic Cheddar
- KMC White Cheddar
- KMC Alfredo
- KMC Deluxe Original Cheddar
- KMC Deluxe Four Cheese
- KMC Deluxe Sharp Cheddar
- KMC Homestyle Creamy Parmesan Alfredo
- KMC Homestyle Sharp Cheddar and Bacon
- KMC Homestyle Classic Cheddar
- KMC Homestyle Hearty Four Cheese
- KMC Homestyle Bowl Southwest Tortilla
- KMC Homestyle Bowl Creamy Broccoli with White Cheddar
- KMC Cup Alfredo
Our Response: Who prefers food with artificial color? We are not sure many consumers do since it adds no benefit or nutritional value to the foods it's in and is simply a cheap, cosmetic additive. And what about all the kids that reach for the boxes with cartoon characters? Do you really think they are going to pick out the Organic/Homestyle version over Spongebob? The above options of Macaroni and Cheese without artificial dyes are not targeted toward children, and the versions that are specifically designed for children do contain Yellow #5 and Yellow #6. Children are the ones that are most at risk for complications when consuming artificial dyes. In Europe, a food company is required to use a warning label when using artificial food dyes stating, "May cause adverse effects in activity and attention in children" on the package.
But meanwhile back in the US, Kraft features children regularly in commercials and goes as far as holding essay contests specifically for children to promote the introduction and creation of new product lines containing artificial food dyes - products like "Cheddar Explosion," "Extreme Cheese Explosion," and "Grilled Cheese Explosion."
Since artificial dyes provide no value but do pose risks, we believe it is up to Kraft to voluntarily change their product and stop exploiting the FDA laws to their financial advantage. The 30 or so Kraft varieties that do still contain artificial dyes in the US are unfair to the children lured by these products, unfair to the less fortunate who buy these products because they are cheaper, and unfair to the uneducated consumer that is unaware of these potentially harmful ingredients.
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Even the FDA admits we should be concerned, stating the following on their website:
"Exposure to food and food components, including AFC [Artificial Food Colors] and preservatives, may be associated with behavioral changes, not necessarily related to hyperactivity, in certain susceptible children with ADHD and other problem behaviors, and possibly in susceptible children from the general population."
Yellow #5 and #6 both have not been retested since their approval – do we have confidence in the FDA to keep up to date on health risks considering there were 91 artificial dyes (allowed in food, drugs, cosmetics, and/or medical devices) that were at one point approved by the FDA that are now no longer authorized or have been restricted?
Also what about all the big restaurant chains like Applebee's, IHOP, Perkins, Denny's, Longhorn Steakhouse, Bob Evans and Steak n' Shake offering "Kraft Macaroni & Cheese" in kids meals and on menus across the country? These children do not get a choice between mac & cheese with or without dyes - instead they are solely offered the riskier option.
From Kraft: We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you.
Our Response: Sharing this information with us does not address our petition nor does it address our concerns for the health of Americans. We request that Kraft listen to the (228k+) people signing our petition and the families who have reached out to us directly in concern.
We've received numerous letters from parents and people who have had dramatic improvements in the health of their families after removing artificial dyes. Here are just a few excerpts from these hundreds of letters – we hope this finally convinces Kraft to act and remove artificial dyes:
"Artificial dyes caused him to have tantrums that nobody could believe - after eating anything containing dye - absolutely any and everything could set him off into a tantrum and he would scream in such a state of rage that he was unreachable for approx. 50-60 minutes at a time." - Tracy
"My son had very bad eczema along with hyper activity when he was younger. After years of expensive medicine and creams for his skin we decided to stop eating foods with dyes in them. The results were astounding. I had a much more manageable child with beautiful skin." - Renee
"My 5 year old son, has horrible reactions to artificial dyes. We've always been very cautious about what we eat, we don't buy products that contain artificial ANYTHING, but we used to let him partake in treats at parties that contain artificial colorings, until we realized the random violent outbursts he was having came only after consuming artificial dyes. Normally, he is a very sweet soul, but the day after Halloween, when we had allowed him to eat skittles, he had a violent outburst in class where he threw a chair. A CHAIR. His teachers were shocked, so were we." - Emily
"We struggled for over 2 years, trying various strategies to stop the tantrums, teach him to self-soothe and calm himself when overstimulated, and help him sleep through the night again. Nothing worked until we eliminated artificial food dyes from his diet when he was 4 ½ years old. We saw dramatic results just 5 days after eliminating them. He started sleeping through the night consistently for the first time since he was a baby, and his intense and long-lasting tantrums also disappeared." - Jennifer
"My 5 old daughter is hypersensitive to food dyes which we didn't discover until we took them away. Her behavior was off the charts fighting, screaming, and just plain unhappy. We removed artificial food from her diet, she became a different child. She is happy and compliant. But if she has any thing containing food dye, she losses her mind and will begin to scream, fight, hit the halls. Finally at the age of 5 she is able to tell me when she has a headache and its alway after having something containing artificial food dye at school. This can't be just a coincidence!! I mean every time my daughter has artificial food dye she is in pain!" - Kelli
"My 14 year old daughter was diagnosed with eczema when she was 3 months old. We have been to many Doctors and have had way too many prescriptions. The triggers for this condition are many. The major ones that we have found that bother her are artificial dyes. As you can imagine, it is very difficult to keep all of them out of our homes. It is something that we need to be mindful of everyday if she wants to stay healthy. I truly believe that all dyes should be banned for our food supply today. Not only our food supply but also from medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription." - Kerry
"One of my sons is allergic to artificial food dye…to the point of it being life-threatening. His breathing becomes labored, he becomes lethargic and we must have (dye-free) Benadryl and an EPI Pen Jr. on hand at all times. Fortunately, we try to eat very naturally so we were able to identify the issue fairly quickly. However, it’s very difficult to protect him from artificial food dye in public, i.e. visiting friends/family, church, schools, etc. It would be a relief to this momma if artificial food dye were out of U.S. food products. " - Jen
"My son has Aspergers, a form of autism. Food dyes significantly affect his behavior sometimes leading to explosive tantrums. Red dye #40 causes aggression and self injury. Blue #2 and yellow #5 affect his communication and emotional state. Basically, he becomes nasty and grumpy. Unable to tell us how he is really feeling, this behavior leads to tantrums. Food dye is not allowed in my house. Why do I care if other children eat it? Because until people are fully educated on the side effects of the poison they feed their children they are not able to make rational choices." - Michele
"My son is adversely affected by artificial colors. Several months ago we removed all foods with artificial colors and flavorings from his diet to see if his behavior would improve. We were amazed to find that by removing these from his diet he has a better attention span and is less fidgety. If there is ever a time when he does eat something with these dyes in it, after about 20 minutes I can tell." - Christie
"My 2 year old daughter breaks out in hives from artificial food dyes." - Katie
"We were having a hard time with his behavioral outbursts when I read an article on how food dyes can often effect kids with ADHD. I decided for the heck of it to remove them from our home. We already eat pretty healthy, but Mac and Cheese was one thing that my son loved and was willing to eat. I switched to the organic brand Annie's and also now read every thing I buy. If it contains any food coloring at all, we don't buy it. Within a month my son completely changed. His erratic behavior was gone and he was able to focus a lot more on tasks. His stimming (self stimulating behaviors that you see with Autism) also decreased significantly. " - Lori
We hope you join us and demand this change by signing this petition now and sharing it with as many people as you know. Together we can make our voices heard!
With Much Love,
Lisa with 100DaysofRealFood.com and Vani with FoodBabe.com
Jenn says
You can count on us to NO LONGER BUY KRAFT PRODUCTS until there is a change. Thank you so much for bringing this into the light. We deserve change!
Jim Outman says
TAKE IT OUT!!!!!!!!!
Nicky says
Just watched you guys on Dr Oz! Great job!!! HUGE!! :)
Emily says
I think this campaign would be more effective and cause more long term change if it were directed toward the FDA. Why should Kraft be blamed if they are simply following the rules and making a product that sells? They are a public company, not only do they have the obligation to keep their customers safe but they also have an obligation to their shareholders to make a profit. The profits with which their shareholders will use to do things like buy the food that they choose to eat- be it Kraft or not. You don't have to eat Kraft food or feed it to your kids. If you really want sustainable change I think you need to target the way food is labeled/regulated in this country so consumers have the information readily at their hands to make informed decisions- whatever decision that may be.
Elizabeth says
I totally agree! I feel like these are just a bunch of people with time on their hands and nothing to do so they look for problems to fight against and complain about.
PollyS says
It appears to me that the FDA is who you should be petitioning.
I'm no fan of Kraft, but they're just trying to make some money and keep their company alive.
The real question is why the government is regulating our food.
Another Emily says
This is the comment I came here to make. I agree with what you're trying to do, but I think going after Kraft is foolish, and to be honest it seems a little petty. I honestly don't understand why you are so focused on them, when change is needed at the highest levels instead.
Inez Floyd says
I for am so glad that someone can go out there and fight for our behalf. I would like all American products to be made from whole foods, and no added, broken down, hi-bread, processed foods and/or chemicals. I have had to deal with kids that had reactions to all these artificial, chemically induced products for way to long. The health and well-being of our children and their future is really more important than a corporations profit. If that's the case it's time for us to boycott these products and support those who are more interested in our health and well-being instead of someone's pocket and profit. I'm done with corporations bottom-line profit.
Catherine says
Thank you so much for waging this battle on behalf of us. It is appreciated!
Markey says
You both presented the problem of synthetic dyes very well! Congratulations! Do you think Dr. Oz was truly surprised at the negatives of these dyes? I hope he wasn't.
Moms just like the two of you have been promoting the same message since 1976 via the support group, the Feingold Association. http://www.feingold.org We needed support from others, we needed to know which products to buy, etc. Our children were having such behavioral and learning problems and avoiding these dyes changed their lives. Dr. Feingold traveled the world seeking changes in our food supply and he hoped it would take only a decade. Nearly 40 years later, are we getting closer? I sure hope so. Thank you again.
ANNE OZEGOVICH says
I have stopped buying Kraft Mac n Cheese products a while ago, as you can get the Whole Foods Brand or Annies Natural Mac n Cheese products for the same price or less and tastes much better and do not have unhealthy fillers in them.
As big of a conglomerate as KRAFT is, this is disgraceful that they worry about their bottom line more than the good of the consumers. This will now prevent me from steering clear of all KRAFT products.
Ashleigh says
So ridiculous. The responses are almost as infuriating as the product itself. I would not let this go. Just shared this page on Facebook and commented both on the Kraft Foods page and the Kraft Mac N Cheese page. We are not letting this go.
Shawn Guffey says
Until Kraft decides to do the right thing, I will not be buying any products produced by Kraft. It may take all of us to take action into our own hands and stop buying all Kraft products. Maybe this will put a fire under their butts to conform to our wishes and health needs. Boycotting all Kraft products will definitely hit them where it hurts - the bottom line profits. What does everyone else think?
Leanna Stupperich says
I'd like to know where exactly the Kraft products without dyes are marketed. They certainly can't be found in our area! With 4 dye sensitive kids, we won't be purchasing any of their products any time soon! I fail to see what Kraft's problem is - all they have to do is switch to the same formulas they are already using in the UK...Crazy!
Christy says
Shame on Kraft for that response. They can and should do better.
Amanda says
Love your work! We all need to hold these companies responsible for the ingredients in their products. Unfortunately, the people most likely to use convenient processed foods and often the least likely to care what is in them.
Tobey Schollmeyer says
Thank you for doing what you do. I hope your efforts open the eyes of (more) consumers. People are learning that they (the processed food manufacturers) dont care about our health only their money! I appreciate all of your efforts!
Beth says
Kraft aims to sell cheap food because there is a huge US market for cheap food. Ingredients unfortunately aren't the highest priority of many consumers who are struggling. And with the immense national debt, I don't think the government would want to allocate any more dollars to great regulation of food, especially when it'll mean financially affecting the companies that fund a lot of government initiatives, even if there are potential human health hazards.
Kraft should be more ethical in their choice of ingredients. Bottom line, no matter if it's the US or UK, and especially when marketing to children. However, consumers should make more responsible purchases, even if it means paying more for products, to tell these companies "we don't want your junkie food". Once the demand for the better products is high enough, they will go down in price and companies will look for ways to make more options for less money to meet the demand.
Kraft changed for the UK, they will change for the US if we demand better products. Until then, the business will meet the demand. Just like cartels keep dealing the drugs no matter the risk. Take away the demand, and the supply will soon diminish.
Sasha says
Yay! Keep up the good work ladies. Congrats on the Dr. Oz show and getting the word out!
Melanie says
Shame on you Kraft. i vow to never buy another kraft product until you fix our food. Shame!!!
Twitter@Ifeedemlead says
Is the FDA more of a subsidy of Agribusiness, than a governmental organization. Maybe? Heres what I've noticed, we can vote in Republicans or Democrats and get the same... results, but TV makes it seem like theres a difference, between the parties?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-smith/youre-appointing-who-plea_b_243810.html
Becky says
There are many companies out there that conform to the strictest guidelines or laws of all the countries where they operate. What a great policy. If only large companies like Kraft would follow such policies, we would all be better off.
Kelvin Mason says
Best response to to eat real food and vote with your $
Kris says
Kraft? More like KRAPP!
Everyone share this article with everyone you know.
Not only are they more concerned with making money and covering their own than the health and safety of children, they are TOTAL JERKS in their responses. "We appreciate the opportunity to share this information with you" God, what snotty fatcat brats. It makes me want to go to every supermarket, knock all their products off the shelf and then stomp on them.
Disgusting company with disgusting values.
Molly says
Thanks for all you do!
diane neuman says
Money talks- if we all quit buying what I see as their poison(honestly, even without the dye, that stuff just is a far cry from real food) they will quit selling it.
Thank you for all your hard work! In the past 2 years through going allergy free, chemical free, etc- I have found that it isn't difficult and that it might be cheaper to do without the junk in a lot of cases-
Keep going! Your voice makes a huge difference!
Shirley says
We removed foods with artificial dyes from our son's diet many years ago due to his mild hyperactivity and noticed a dramatic positive change in his behavior. The only reason I knew about the effect of artificial food color additives was through a book written, by a nurse, whom made it a point to discover why her child was exhibiting behavioral problems when he ate certain foods with red, yellow, and orange dyes contained in them. When they eliminated those artificially flavored foods in his food, his behavior underwent a major positive change. Needless to say, our son was no longer eating foods with those colors in them. Kraft ought to know better since the studies and results have been present for many years, and they have been made aware of them and the effects on children with behavior problems. Shame on Kraft. It has been a very long time since I have purchased anything by Kraft containing those dyes. How dare they continue to say that they are following the guidelines when it has been proven to be harmful to children. Shame, shame, shame on Kraft.
Elisa says
Sounds like it's time to go up the food chain, no pun intended! FDA laws... Keep up the good work!
Jennifer says
Keep up the good work. We have found alternative mac n cheeses or make our own. We can not use Kraft as it gives my daughter migraines.
Laura says
Why aren't you asking kraft not to use gmo?
Emily says
That's my letter! The one about the child who threw the chair. No food dyes for this family!
Stephanie says
You both did a wonderful job on Dr. Oz. Thank you both for your courage and Lisa, you have inspired me for the past month 2 months to drasticallyy eliminate processed foods with my family. One month after being on your plan my 10 year old son has admitted that is bowel movements are moving much better and my 6 year old son has not had any stomach pain that he commonly complained of in the past. Thank you again.
Susan says
Keep up the good work. It's so sad, really, that so many people don't know or care to take the time to know what they are feeding their children. If you only watch mainstream TV and read mainstream magazines, you wouldn't even know there was something to be concerned about! I suppose we were all there at one point in our journey to eating real food. Thankyou for doing this hard work and stepping out to get the word out and educate the uneducated consumers! I think maybe it's hard for some parents to even fathom that what you're saying is true, or to acknowledge and accept that they've bought into the lies for so long. Unfortunately, many people still believe that the FDA, our government, and all those big fuzzy nice companies out there like Kraft, have our children's best interests at heart. Keep asking the hard questions, pushing back and not letting Kraft provide blow-off answers!
Jennifer says
I am very disappointed in Kraft. I would have hoped they would want to continue having the american people buy their product but I guess they misunderstand the impact that women and children have on the sale of their product.
Lindsey says
I am an avid reader of your blog and you have been such an inspiration and source of information that has helped my family change our diets and ways of thinking for the better. However, this petition-which I happily signed- has prompted me to seek out extra information and read up on the issue. I truly believe that these dyes need to be eradicated from our food supply. But one point of concern I have which prompted many more hours of research on my part was your use of secondary sources such as allergykids. I would love to see more use of primary sources so I can take what I see here "to the bank." and feel much more confident when I am spreading the information I read here. (because I absolutely love what you do and the insight and inspiration you provide)
mommytoo says
Sadly, I do not think either woman has much of a scientific background and when confronted with questions for more data, primary sources, etc. they tend to angrily resist. I believe in this as well, but would also love to see true scientific data and primary sources, since I have found that most regular people can not comprehend the data from these studies, therefore many just make up the results as fits their agenda.Maybe the ladies can find someone is another field to team up with, that can help them legitimize their battle for dye- free food.
Maryjo Courtin says
I applaud your efforts and thank you for taking this on. It is one of the reasons I became a Wildtree rep - to share all natural and organic products and provide healthy options for all.
Jason says
The contents of this comment have been removed by the 100 Days of Real Food team due to violation of our comment policy, which may be reviewed here https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/comment-policy/.
Brittany says
The 'good stuff' with dangerous ingredients tastes and looks exactly the same as the alternative version.
Eric says
Brittany I have been eating this stuff for 30 years and Im fine. Im healthy, i graduated HS, joined the Marines, have a job blah blah. The dye in mac in cheeses should be the least of you peoples concerns. Focus your energy on something like global warming or cancer research. Or how about stoping gang violence or your neighbored sex offender.
Steph says
Yikes, Eric! It appears that long-term consumption of these artificial ingredients also causes deficits in intellectual ability. If you're a product of 30 years of consumption of this trash, I'll be even more vigilant in keeping all artificial dye-containing foods away from my family.
Theresa says
And that is your defense? Joining the Marines proves nothing regarding a healthy lifestyle! And by the way graduating high school also proves nothing. There are many intellectually delayed individuals that graduate. Keeping our kids healthy is the basis of this. Oh and you mentioned cancer research...FOOD COLORING ADDITIVES CAUSE CANCER. Hmm, I think that this DOES fall under cancer research. And as for stopping gang violence, go ahead and go for it Marine. I am sure you could...ooh rah.
R D Williams says
Eric, you gotta stop drinkin' the fluoride, too. Seems to be interfering with your thought processes. And, learn to SPELL, dips#oot. Thanks for your att'n.
Michelle Ritchie | Delicious Karma says
I posted this on your Facebook, but wanted to share it here too...
WAY TO GO!!!! We need more folks like you fighting the much needed fight against Big Food and against "fake," unhealthy ingredients. Your great work will (hopefully) get these companies to think a bit more when they formulate their products, and will also helps raise awareness among consumers...so they can stop buying these types of products. That is the best way to get them to listen. It would be fantastic if the FDA would take notice and make some much-needed changes. However, sadly, that is likely harder given they are a government agency, which tend to be super slow to change or respond. Again, keep up the great work!
If you need ANY help or support, please do let us know. This is something about which we are hugely passionate as well and we would love nothing more than to join you in some way (other than just signing your petition, which we did do).
Charlotte says
I love all the health conscious information you provide, thank you! Kraft's response does not surprise me. I get the point that if you can get one big company to change the others will follow but targeting Mac & Cheese is a non-issue for me. The boxed "meal" is crap even if the artificial colors are removed. Powered cheese; gross! If my kids are going to eat cheese I feed them REAL cheese not boxed nastiness. Maybe the focus should be towards something with some nutritional value to it.
Brittany says
*sigh* I am not the least bit surprised by this non-response. It seems like no matter how risky, dangerous, or unhealthy a product is, all a US company has to do is say, "People choose to buy this product. We can't take away their CHOICE! They prefer it!" Never mind the fact that there are many people who aren't actively making the choice - they may not know about how dangerous it is, they may not have another option, they may not be able to afford another option. And they might be kids who are influenced and manipulated by advertisement -- never standing a chance.
Kala M. says
Thank you for bringing this fight to so many people's attention. When you first posted about the petition I read your post to my husband. He got a sad look on his face and said, "Does this mean we can't have Kraft Macaroni and cheese anymore." I had to laugh a little. I can't believe how stupid it is that if they are already doing it in the UK that they can just make the change across the board. My husband has even started looking at the backs of other foods to see what else has artificial colors in it. We were shocked to find them in Doritos and dill pickles. I don't see what the point is. So what if it isn't bright yellow, and if it really needs to be more colorful why can't you just use turmeric or the other natural food coloring ingredients.
Kelly says
I think it is terrific to stand up for what one believes is wrong. Just to look at the petition/responses above in a different light, however, I would like to point out that a PARENT has the right to choose the food for his/her child. In doing so, I don't care what my child wants because of what she sees on a box. Spongebob, brighter colors... so my child picks that box in the aisle--- I just put it back, say no, and move on. Since when is everything the company's fault? If the consumers don't like it or think it is fit for consumption, don't buy it!
Brittany says
The product shouldn't be offered at all. Period. Lead paint shouldn't be an option, much less the easiest option to obtain, because it's dangerous and there are better safer alternatives. Same thing with this - products marketed at children can be made with better, safer ingredients so why is it that the products made with the dangerous ingredients are so much more readily available?
Kristi says
I lucked out and when we last ran out of Kraft I forgot to pick up more. Thankfully I read your blog post and did not pick up any more. I have started making the mac and cheese you have on your page and I love it along with my family so I have no intentions of ever buying Kraft again. It would be nice though to have the dyes removed since it is offered in restaurants and there is no choices there! Already signed the petition but I will share this for my friends and family to sign as well.
Jenise says
I sadly didn't expect much else, but I was hopeful. It will take the FDA to change these laws, and the FDA seems to have its head in the ground.