Tyson Foods to drop corn syrup from Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm and more products by end of the year
Amid a nationwide trend shifting away from processed foods, another major producer is announcing it will be removing high fructose corn syrup from its products.
Tyson Foods announced this week its "goal is to stop using High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucralose, BHA/BHT and Titanium Dioxide in the production of branded products in the U.S. by the end of 2025."
The Arkansas-based food manufacturer said this will impact a number of brands, including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Wright, State Fair, Aidells, ibp and others.
The sweetener that's made from corn starch is found in many processed foods, including breakfast sausage, sauces and more.
"We continuously review and assess our product portfolio to ensure the highest quality products that meet the needs of consumers," CEO of Tyson Foods Donnie King said in a statement.
He added the decision to remove high-fructose corn syrup "reflects our ongoing commitment to feeding the world like family."
High amounts of fructose, which get processed by the liver, can lead to fatty liver or high levels of triglycerides -- a type of fat found in the blood.
According to health experts, as previously reported by ABC News, "fatty liver and high triglyceride levels can in turn lead to metabolic issues, obesity and diabetes."
The company also noted that ingredients being removed are FDA-approved and safe to use.
The move comes amid criticism by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over sugar consumption in America. He has previously pushed for updated dietary guidelines to encourage "whole food."
The announcement comes on the heels of a move earlier this year to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from its domestic-branded products.
In recent years, Tyson Foods said it has been "dedicated to reducing sodium, sugars and other food additives."
"If high-fructose corn syrup is consumed in large quantities, and it's in an individual who isn't burning very many calories, then, of course, it can lead to weight gain," nutritionist Angela Zivkovic told ABC News.
She added that consuming those sweetened products "in the wrong context can definitely have some detrimental health effects."
Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, also told ABC News there is "a little bit more" health risk from high-fructose corn syrup because it is highly processed.
ABC News' Mary Kekatos contributed to this report.
