UK retailer Marks & Spencer has said that it will remove artificial colours and flavourings from 99% of all the food on sale in M&S stores by the end of the year.

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From June, the retailer added, 100% of all food available at M&S outlets will be free from Aspartame. Marks & Spencer has already taken steps to cut hydrogenated fats from its food range.


Commenting on the move David Gregory, director of technology at Marks & Spencer, said: “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.”

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