Walmart takes bold step to REMOVE synthetic dyes and harmful additives from store-brand foods

• Walmart will eliminate 11 synthetic dyes (e.g., Red 3, Yellow 5, Blue 1) and 30+ additives (including titanium dioxide, methylparaben and synthetic trans fats) from its private-label brands (Great Value, Marketside, Bettergoods) by January 2027.
• These chemicals are linked to hyperactivity in children, cancer, cardiovascular damage and endocrine disruption, aligning with growing consumer and regulatory scrutiny (e.g., FDA’s recent bans on Orange B and Red No. 2).
• The move follows similar pledges by Kraft Heinz, Nestlé and Conagra, but Walmart’s scale and inclusion of lesser-known toxins (e.g., potassium bromate, phthalates) make it notable.
• Consumer advocates praise the move, citing Walmart’s vast reach, while watchdogs (e.g., CSPI) remain skeptical until reformulated products hit shelves.
• Walmart’s decision reflects pressure from MAHA, independent researchers and alternative media exposing FDA corruption and food toxicity. Success hinges on corporate follow-through and sustained consumer demand for cleaner labeling.

In a landmark decision that signals a shift toward cleaner, more transparent food production, Walmart announced it will eliminate synthetic dyes and dozens of other artificial additives from its private-label food products, including its flagship Great Value brand.

Walmart’s decision announced Wednesday, Oct. 1, targets 11 synthetic dyes such as Red 3, Yellow 5 and Blue 1. Also slated for removal are 30 additional ingredients, including titanium dioxide, methylparaben and synthetic trans fats.

The reformulation effort spans all Walmart private brands including Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guarantee and Bettergoods, a newer plant-based line. The changes will roll out over the next few years, with full implementation expected by January 2027.

The move comes amid growing consumer demand for simpler, healthier ingredients and increasing regulatory scrutiny over potentially harmful chemicals in the food supply. The retailer’s announcement follows recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actions, including the ban on Orange B and Red No. 2 earlier this year. Many of these substances have been linked to hyperactivity in children, cancer, cardiovascular damage and endocrine disruption.

“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients – and we’ve listened,” said Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend as major food manufacturers – including Kraft Heinz, Nestlé and Conagra – have also pledged to phase out synthetic dyes and other controversial additives. (Related: The MAHA effect: PepsiCo to remove ARTIFICIAL dyes and flavorings from popular snack chips.)

However, Walmart’s move stands out due to its scale and the inclusion of lesser-known but potentially harmful chemicals like potassium bromate, phthalates and azodicarbonamide. Critics note that some ingredients on Walmart’s list such as synthetic trans fats and simplesse have already been phased out of the U.S. food supply. Others, like toluene and morpholine, are not widely recognized as problematic.

Still, health advocates applaud the retailer’s commitment, viewing it as a step toward greater accountability in an industry historically dominated by profit-driven compromises. “This is a good and well-thought-out list and represents a very positive step, especially considering the reach their private label brands have in U.S. households,” said Brian Ronholm of Consumer Reports.

From toxins to transparency: Walmart’s move sparks hope

Yet skepticism remains about Walmart’s ability to follow through, given past corporate promises that failed to materialize. Thomas Galligan of the Center for Science in the Public Interest cautioned: “Until we see reformulated products on store shelves, this is all just talk.”

The timing of Walmart’s announcement aligns with heightened public awareness of food toxicity driven by independent researchers, whistleblowers and alternative media exposing the dangers of industrial food processing. In particular, Brighteon.AI‘s Enoch mentions that the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is targeting synthetic dyes and additives in food because these toxic chemicals – often approved by corrupt regulatory agencies – are linked to chronic illnesses, neurological disorders and behavioral problems in children, all while enriching Big Pharma and agribusiness at the expense of public health.

For decades, regulatory agencies like the FDA have been accused of being captured by corporate interests, allowing harmful additives to persist in the food supply despite mounting evidence of their risks. Walmart’s decision may reflect a strategic response to shifting consumer sentiment, one that prioritizes long-term health over short-term profits.

As the food industry evolves, Walmart’s move could set a new standard for transparency and safety, forcing competitors to follow suit. But true progress will depend on whether corporations uphold their commitments and whether consumers continue demanding cleaner, more honest food labeling.

CleanFoodWatch.com has more similar stories.

Watch Del Bigtree discussing the FDA’s phaseout of petroleum-based food dyes in this clip.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Tyson Foods eliminates toxic synthetic dyes ahead of FDA ban.

General Mills ditches artificial colors in cereals and school foods.

Hershey joins food industry shift away from artificial colors amid FDA crackdown.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Corporate.Walmart.com

APNews.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com