Your favorite fast food joints are making a major change: Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, both owned by Yum Brands, have announced plans to eliminate artificial flavoring and color from their menus. The decision is the latest in a wave of efforts from major food companies to disassociate themselves from artificial ingredients that are increasingly viewed as unhealthy in mainstream media and by consumers.
According to an announcement made by Taco Bell, the chain will begin phasing out manufactured black pepper flavor, high-fructose corn syrup, unsustainable palm oil, and a number of artificial dyes. These changes among others will affect 95% of the chain's menu offerings, with the exception of fountain sodas. The CEO of the Mexican food giant remarked that it's currently working to keep prices low in light of the adjustments. As for The Hut, the nixing of fake coloring and flavors — as well as a full disclosure of ingredients online — will reportedly take place by end of July.
It remains to be seen how the changes will affect the taste of the food. With Chipotle, Panera, and Subway all making similar menu changes at the behest of an increasingly health-conscious public, it's safe to say that the move marks a major shift in the landscape of fast food, and that this won't be the last announcement of its kind. (Associated Press)
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