Harris Farm Markets has eliminated artificial colours in all products on its shelves after a five-year collaboration with suppliers as part of its community health mission.
The company is the only grocery chain in Australia to ban artificial colouring and says while the decision led to it dropping several product lines from its range, that was the price of sticking to its commitment.
Tristan Harris, co-CEO of Harris Farm Markets, stated the process of removing artificial colours from products and implementing a new sourcing policy was time-consuming.
“For the past five years we have been working with our suppliers, to find new methods of production if needed and alternative ingredients if required,” said Harris.
“Now, our pasta sauces, dips, juices, peanut butter, cookie dough, curry pastes, chocolates, soups, noodles and even orange juices – just to name a few – are all free of artificial colouring.”
Harris added many of the brand’s suppliers had long desired to eliminate artificial colours from their operations, and the company’s move accelerated their efforts. This was accomplished in collaboration with suppliers such as The Market Grocer, Koko Black, Fresh Fodder, Salumi, and pastry chef Anna Polyviou.
There are two sorts of food colours, according to FSANZ, Australia’s food regulatory organisation: those permitted to a maximum level (ML), which are all artificial, and those guided by good manufacturing practice (GMP), which are largely created from naturally occurring compounds. Food colouring is used to enhance the appearance of foods, to create a consistent colour, and make commodities more visually appealing.
