Australian food market chain eliminates artificial colourings

The move towards healthier eating is inexorable, with even the smallest elements of our diet under the microscope.

Tristan Harris from Harris Farm Markets was joined by colourful pastry chef Anna Polyviou this week as the food chains announced that its stores are now free of all artificial flavours after a five-year program came to fruition.

Harris Farm Markets says it the only major grocery provider in Australia making the commitment.

“Anything artificial colours can do, nature can do better,” said Tristan Harris.

That means no more erythrosine and no more tartrazine, compounds that are used to make foods look more appealing.

“For over 50 years Harris Farm Markets have been delivering goodness to Australian families," said Harris, the company's joint CEO.

"To continue to do this, we knew we needed to eliminate artificial colours from our shelves. So, 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.

"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.

"It has meant, however, that some product lines have been eliminated, because we have to stand firm on our commitment.”

Harris added: “The Covid-19 pandemic fine-focused Australians on health and immunity, and has instigated a return to home cooking, which in turn has increased everyone’s understanding of how foods impact health.

"There’s more reading of labels, more questioning of provenance, and a much deeper understanding of where food comes from now. We applaud this; our new sourcing policy means a healthier and cleaner alternative for families every day. ”

Pastry chef Polyviou said: “I learnt of Harris Farms’ Coloured by Nature commitment when I first tried to get my products on their shelves.

"By being knocked back initially, I learnt about Harris Farms’ standards, and if I wanted to be a supplier, I needed to meet those. It was a whole new ballgame for me and my team.”

Image: Adam Hollingworth