AUSTIN, Texas (March 30, 2011) —In light of increased public awareness of and FDA hearings this week about artificial food dyes, Whole Foods Market reminds shoppers that its strict quality standards have prohibited artificial food colorings since the 1980s.  

Whole Foods Market offers products that are not only free of artificial colorings, but also free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and other prohibited additives in the company's 304 stores. 

“Our quality standards prohibit artificial colors because of our deep commitment to selling the highest quality natural and organic foods,” explains Joe Dickson, global quality standards coordinator. “Our shoppers rely on us to set high standards so they can shop with peace of mind, and artificial colors are not consistent with our vision for natural and organic food.”