15 May 2007 - Marks & Spencer today, announces it is removing artificial colours and flavourings from 99% of all the foods on sale in M&S stores, by the end of 2007. And by June all the foods on sale in M&S stores will be 100% free from Aspartame.
The move follows the retailer’s groundbreaking initiative to remove all hydrogenated fats from all of its food range – setting leading standards in food retailing.
Within this initiative M&S has banned additives particularly associated with concerns about food intolerance and children’s diets including artificial colours such as Ponceau 4R, Sunset Yellow, Carmosine and Quinoline Yellow which are used in cakes and bakery. The retailer already refuses to use over half the additives permitted by the EU including Monosodium Glutamate and Tartrazine.
David Gregory, Director of Technology at Marks & Spencer comments: “At the heart of our “Plan A” announcement earlier this year, was our commitment to help customers lead a healthier lifestyle. By September 95% of our foods will be free from artificial colourings and flavourings – this covers all our chilled foods, cakes and bakery. The remaining 4% of products are in biscuits and groceries and will be converted by end of the year and we are looking at ways to remove artificial colours and flavourings from the most challenging area, confectionery.”
“Our range of soft drinks does not contain artificial colours or flavourings with the exception of colas and we are working to remove the remaining one artificial colour from these drinks.”
David adds: “Removing artificial colourings and flavourings from our cakes was really important for us, as our birthday cakes are enjoyed by parents and children alike. For example, our parcel Birthday Cake did contain artificial colours, Quinoline, Yellow Brilliant Blue, Allura Red, Carmosine. It’s now made with natural colours Beetroot Red, Paprika extract and Curcumin.”
The move has been welcomed by leading charity, The Hyperactive Children’s Support Group (HACSG), which recommends the removal of artificial additives from food. Nick Giovannelli, Project Director of HACSG, comments: “We welcome the effort by Marks & Spencer to make 99% of its food range free from artificial colours and flavourings. This is a significant undertaking and a big commitment and one that we believe consumers will welcome.”