In a groundbreaking move for public health, Tyson Foods, the second-largest food and beverage company in the United States, has announced the removal of high-fructose corn syrup and three other additives from its product lineup this week, Breitbart reported.
This decision, praised by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., marks a significant industry shift toward healthier food options amid growing concerns over additives and their impact on chronic diseases.
Earlier this year, Tyson Foods took initial steps by eliminating petroleum-based synthetic dyes from its domestic branded products, even though these dyes were approved by the FDA.
These earlier changes were influenced by the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, spearheaded by Kennedy and President Donald Trump, which has pushed for safer food practices.
In March, Kennedy met with executives from major food producers to discuss the pervasive issue of harmful additives in the U.S. food supply.
During these discussions, he highlighted how regulatory gaps have allowed untested ingredients to enter the market without proper oversight or public awareness.
Kennedy stated, “For far too long, ingredient manufacturers and sponsors have exploited a loophole that has allowed new ingredients and chemicals, often with unknown safety data, to be introduced into the U.S. food supply without notification to the FDA or the public.”
Before his role as HHS secretary, Kennedy was a vocal critic of food safety standards, federal dietary guidelines, and pesticide use in agriculture.
He and others have expressed concerns that additives and industry practices may be contributing to the increasing rates of chronic illnesses among adults and children.
Tyson’s latest announcement builds on this momentum, targeting high-fructose corn syrup, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as full of “empty calories” that cause inflammation and weight gain.
The company is also removing sucralose, an artificial sweetener far sweeter than sugar, which studies suggest can disrupt digestive health in animals.
Additionally, preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), along with titanium dioxide, a synthetic pigment, are being phased out due to potential health risks including cancer and metabolic disorders.
Kennedy noted, “About 40 percent of the food industry is on board now, including Smuckers, General Foods and many others. It’s all the big producers. And Tyson has been a leader from the beginning. I’m very grateful for their vision and commitment to their customers’ health.”
Donnie King, President and CEO of Tyson Foods, emphasized the company’s dedication to consumer well-being, stating, “We continuously review and assess our product portfolio to ensure the highest quality products that meet the needs of consumers. Our decision to remove High Fructose Corn Syrup and other ingredients reflects our ongoing commitment to feeding the world like family, while preserving the taste, value, and integrity that define our iconic brands.”
As the owner of well-known brands like Tyson, Jimmy Dean, and Hillshire Farm, the company’s influence on the market is substantial, potentially inspiring further changes across the sector, while HHS is set to release updated nutrition recommendations by year’s end.
