Nestle U.S.A. to remove all artificial flavors, colors from chocolates

Global Business

When it comes to what’s in our food, there’s an ongoing controversy over the use of additives. They’re used to enhance flavor or appearance, preserve food longer, and boost nutritional value. But some of them increase pose risks to health.

Salt is often used in processed foods in unhealthy amounts. Excess sugar and artificial sweeteners are a recipe for a range of problems like obesity and diabetes. Artificial trans fats are a key contributor to heart disease. More than 7,000 ingredients aren’t required to be listed on food labels by the Food and Drug Administration.

But some companies are taking the initiative. McDonald’s plans to stop selling chicken raised on antibiotics in the U.S., a move that may trigger a wider response across the food industry.

The world’s largest food company by sales is also making a change. Nestle USA says it will remove all artificial flavors and colors from its chocolates by the end of the year. Many nutrition experts are skeptical. CCTV’s May Lee filed this report.

Nestle U.S.A. to remove all artificial flavors, colors from chocolates

When it comes to what's in our food, there's an ongoing controversy over the use of additives. They're used to enhance flavor or appearance, preserve food longer, and boost nutritional value. But some of them increase pose risks to health. The world's largest food company by sales is also making a change. Nestle USA says it will remove all artificial flavors and colors from its chocolates by the end of the year. Many nutrition experts are skeptical. CCTV's May Lee filed this report.

Highlights:

  • Nestle USA President Doreen Ida said they are “excited to be the first major U.S. candy manufacturer to make this commitment.”
  • Nielsen’s 2014 Global Health and Wellness Survey says over 60% of Americans report they don’t want artificial colors or flavors in the food they buy.
  • Chocolate candy sales for Nestle USA topped 900 million dollars in 2013
  • The World Health Organization says obesity rates have more than doubled since 1980

Author Mary Beth Albright discusses food additives.

CCTV America interviewed Mary Beth Albright, a media advocate and author of “How Apples Grow”.

Author Mary Beth Albright discusses food additives.

CCTV America interviewed Mary Beth Albright, a media advocate and author of “How Apples Grow”.