It all started with you. GO #FoodBabeArmy GO! You cannot be stopped. I love you!
Breaking News: Chick-fil-A Removing Dyes, Corn Syrup and TBHQ in 2014: Read and share this breaking news here – ABC NEWS
“The changes come after blogger Vani Hari wrote a post in 2011 titled “Chick-fil-A or Chemical Fil-A?” on her site, FoodBabe.com. It noted that the chain’s sandwich had nearly 100 ingredients, including peanut oil with TBHQ, a chemical made from butane. Hari, based in Charlotte, N.C., continued writing about Chick-fil-A’s ingredients.Then last year, the company invited her to its headquarters to spend the day talking with executives.”They took my concerns and started developing a road map of how to address them,” Hari said. On Wednesday, she said she was notified about the changes in an email from the company.”
Background:
After writing several blog posts about how many controversial ingredients are used at Chick-fil-A (TBHQ – an ingredient derived from butane, artificial food dyes, MSG, living conditions of their chickens, etc), the fast-food giant reached out to me.
Chick-fil-A invited me to their headquarters to consult with them on how they could change their ingredients. I was reluctant at first, because not only did I disagree with their food preparation, I also disagreed with many of their other policies.
- Successfully removed Yellow #5 and reduced sodium in our chicken soup recipe. Our new soup recipe is rolling out chain-wide now, and will be complete by the end of December.
- We have successfully removed HFCS and artificial colors from several of our sauces and dressings. We will move into a testing and rollout phase with these new condiments in early 2014.
- Testing peanut oil without TBHQ in multiple markets now with the hopes to rollout chain-wide in early 2014
- We are still in test with the cleaner label white bun. The test is being expanded to other markets outside of Georgia for possible chain-wide rollout by end of 2014.
Still yet to come?
Chick-fil-A executives have indicated to me they are working with the supplier to remove artificial food dyes from their “Ice dream” product (the one they offer in kids meals instead of a toy) at a later date yet not determined and working on further nutritional improvements and innovations.
During my meeting with them, we prioritized my requests and my #1 request has still not been addressed, which is to provide safer and more sustainable chicken that is raised without anti-biotics and GMO feed and that is not grown in terrible living conditions.
Also, yet to be addressed is the use of MSG or Monosodium Glutamate in their sandwiches that makes their food unnecessarily addictive.
Links to the stories that made this possible:
Why Do Parents Take Their Kids To Chick-fil-A
Home-made Chick-fil-A sandwich
There’s proof processed foods are harder to digest
Chick-fil-A Headquarters Update
Thank you for your work, it took every single one of you to make this happen.
The food industry is not going to change over night, but we are making some major headway.
We are changing the world together #FoodBabeArmy!
XOXO,
Vani
You rock. Thanks for being so awesome!
I’m still not eating there til they get the MSG out of their food (no WONDER it’s so addictive) and stop feeding their chickens GMO feed, but it’s definitely a start. I’m giddy!! (And until then, I have your “make your own Chickfila sandwich” recipe bookmarked; I’ve made it several times already and it satisfies the craving! Plus I can make it faster than I can drive over and order it, lol!)
Hannah – can you post that book mark please. I’d love to make this.
Thanks
Andy
I believe this is the link you’re looking for…here’s the recipe…complete with MSG even! Yikes! :-O http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/07/the-food-lab-how-to-make-a-chick-fil-a-sandwich-at-home.html
Sarah
I don’t seem to have an option to reply to you – but the way I read Hannah’s comment there’s a recipe that The Food Babe has posted that is not MSG laden… I stopped eating processed food in July this year. What a difference it has made to me but I do miss certain things and being able to make a healthy form of this has me very interested!
Andy
It kind of defeats the purpose if you’re dipping the nuggets in GMO soybean/canola oil sauce. Let’s also not forget that “sugar” is usually GMO sugar beets.
Anybody who eats this crap even with their spin changes, does not respect their bodies.
You’re exactly right. While this change is moving in the right direction, this food is absolute crap. There are millions of other reasons to never eat any of their products.
Like what? If there are “millions” shares few. And not the easy ones like “fried”, or whatever. There has to be some good reason buried in those millions.
Seriously? You actually need me to list reasons WHY you shouldn’t eat fast food?
Here is only a couple of very good reasons not to eat this food.
MSG is a hormone, and it causes lesions on your hypothalamus, the major endocrine gland of your body, I read my list of ingredients and avoid all foods with MSG.
GMO’s
I recently watched a video on the effects of GMO’s, genetically modified organisms and the gluten intolerance explosion in our population. It’s very interesting how all this is intertwined. Educate yourself.
.
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gluten This is about 24 minutes, well worth the time.
If you are not that familiar with GMO’s and their effects here is a more in depth movie.
http://eatlocalgrown.com/video/11882-seeds-of-death-full-movie.html
Educate yourself, your health and the health of your children and their ability to have their own children is being compromised.
Here are a couple of very good reasons why not to eat this food.
MSG is a hormone mono sodium gluconate, that creates lesions on the hypothalamus, the major endocrine gland of the body. I read my labels and avoid all food containing MSG.
GMO
Genetically modified organisms. Here is a video on the explosion of gluten intolerance in our population after the introduction of GMO’s and the connection between them.
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/gluten
If you’re not informed about GMO’s you can learn more here. This is a more in depth movie. http://eatlocalgrown.com/video/11882-seeds-of-death-full-movie.html
Educate yourself, your health, as you get older, and the health of your family and the ability of your children to have children can be compromised.
Testing to see if I can actually reply here as I’ve tried twice, and tried to respond the the email.
MSG is also hidden under various different names. Here are a few.
– Disodium Isonate
– Disodium Guanylate
– Autolyzed Yeast
– Textured Protein
– Whey Protein
– Soy Protein
– Any Protein
– Any Protein Isolate
– Umami
Here’s an exhaustive list : http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
I would expect that Chick Fil A will eventually remove “MSG” but replace it with Disodium Isonate and Disodium Guanylate. If they actually remove MSG and not just hide it under another glutamate name, then that would be very encouraging; but it’d shock the heck out of me.
I fully expect them to make a big splash about removing MSG as a huge marketing blitz, but really just hide it under a different name.
Figured. You’ve got nothing. Just wanted some data on your “millions”. You can’t even come up with one. Waste of everyone’s time. Spew hate but nothing to back it up. Give me a break. Go hate your life somewhere else. We want to be positive around here.
Why are you asking a commenter (who is not a professional in this field) about this? If you’re serious about knowing why CFA is toxic, do some research–read the ingredients of their products, google those ingredients, or go to the links provided in this blog:
These 3 links are above and can be clicked for instant redirect.
Chick-fil-A or Chemical-fil-A
Why Do Parents Take Their Kids To Chick-fil-A
There’s proof processed foods are harder to digest
If you’re not serious or you’re an employee of CFA, I can only hold you in my highest thoughts and hope for your recovery.
Actually Alexis, there were good points brought up. He asked for the fire proving the smoke that Sean was mentioning as far as this food being bad for you.
People read the back of an ingredient label, see a chemical and freak out without knowing any of the science behind it. Then they post from their ipads how disgusted they are and consume similar food (its not from a big name supplier mind you, so they feel better). Consumerism at its best!
Click the image below to see all the chemicals found in an apple, I’m sure the food babe has blogged about this and how bad they are for you.
http://i.imgur.com/i5FL3.jpg
Totally agree with you!
Relax Joseph…a few trips to Chick-fil-A won’t kill you. On a serious note, thank you Mrs. Vani Hari for your relentlessness. Great job!!
WOW! I was a Chick fil A junkie until I read your blog and quit cold turkey. I am glad to see that they listened to your concerns and know that others are concerned as well. I will follow their story and see if they can make the change for the good. Thank you for all your hard work at changing our food supply back to REAL food, not additives and preservatives.
I would ask for data on McDonalds and Burger King.
Wonder what it will take to get them to remove the homophobic HATE from their policies?
Ahhhh there it is. You want them to be open to gays, but you are closed minded to their policies. Maybe people who have Christian beliefs prefer a place that has the se values. But I guess you’ve never open your mind to that!
Ahh, but their “Christian Values” aren’t truly Christ like.
Did you ever see this?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shane-l-windmeyer/dan-cathy-chick-fil-a_b_2564379.html
Billy D – I read the article, although long and somewhat redundant I could appreciate the relationship than 2 men of opposing belief found a common ground of respect and awareness. So, Monica R, you might read this article and discover that Dan Kathy, Coo of Chick fil A, is a true follower of Christ. We would all do well to model after these two men.
I never saw anything saying that homosexuals were forbidden from there
Regardless of their religious or political affiliation – still won’t eat there because it’s still fast food. With the price of a chicken sandwich there, I could very easily go to the vegetarian restaurant that serves 100% organic and fresh products – and have it taste way better.
That’s exactly right! While I don’t agree with their politics, the #1 reason to never eat there is because the food is just plain bad for you!
Oh my gosh!!! You mean they turn away homosexuals when they come into their store? They refuse service to them? How discriminatory…..oh wait….They serve everyone!!! Give it a rest guy!!! Peace and love
Actually, I GAVE it a rest! You’re the one who continued commenting on this topic!
There’s not a single bit of Hate (homophobic or otherwise) in their policies. Rather intolerant of you to label people that don’t believe as you to be hateful (hypocritical and close minded don’t you think)
Thank you for helping out. I love Chick- Fil- A. And due to you will love it even more. Will now be a great place with less worries about the food I and my family are eating when in a rush and cannot prepare dinner or lunch at home. Thanks again you ROCK…….
Now if they would just remove the sugar and homophobia…
Thanks alot Foodbabe for taking your concerns to them and not backing down. This is how change happens!
Also, it is very interesting that some of the commenters here are name calling Chik-fil A as “homophobic” or intolerant because they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. That is the statement that was made by the President, nothing more. If anything, those who are quick to spew angry words at Chik Fil A are the intolerant ones because they will not dare hear someone not agree with their stance on the issue. It is bullying and quite arrogant to only allow yourself to have an individual opinion but noone else can or they will be verbally assaulted.
Thanks, I will 🙂 Have a great day.
Are you against peoples beliefs? Preach tolerance for everyone else, but not applicable to you? They are scared of homos. They just don’t believe what they do is right. Never have I seen a sign in a CFA that says “homos not served here”. It’s not for CFA to pass final judgement. That’s Jesus’ call.
youknownothing:
you’re the one who knows nothing. You guys preach tolerance for all, but your comment just proved that you have no tolerance for those who do not believe what you believe. Hypocritical, much? Chick-Fil-A is a company that was born in a free market- they can do what they want to do. There’s something called the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck (or something) and they donate to gay organizations. And thats their business. Each company can do what it wants. Neither CFA or The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck ban their opponents from eating their stuff.
So, instead of spewing a bunch of hate like a 2 year old, act like a grown-up and answer the question. Unless you dont have an answer. That would explain why you just typed up a bunch of crud.
Yay! Great news 🙂 Every change helps us as a species move in the right direction to a healthier higher conscious awareness future.
Thank you for being proactive on the behalf of consumers. My main concern for my family is the amount of sodium in food items sold in fast food chains. A lower sodium product choice would be greatly appreciated.
Awesome job!! I used to take my kids to Chick-Fil-a at least once or twice per month. Now we go maybe twice per year at most thanks to reading your blog. Every little bit helps, though I do wish they would remove the MSG. I guess that is what keeps the customers coming back.
Thanks to all of you that kept the pressure on Chick Fil A , by posting Vani Chemical Fil A to there facebook feeds and to those that has been telling them for years to go back to the orignal way of making the products . Keep it up all, the next step is Non Drug and GMO Feed Chicken like they used to have , it can be done , YOU GO FOOD BABE !
I’ve never had Chick-Fil-A as there aren’t any in my area, but I tend to stay away from fast food whenever possible. While I do hope they also move to using humanely raised chickens that aren’t fed GMOs, this is definitely a move in the right direction. Vani, please keep up the good work!
Why not just avoid eating there?
I really don’t understand why companies have to put dyes in their foods . I am so allergic to red dyes and I have to read ingredients on everything, I can’t go to a fast food place because I don’t know what being offered is going to kill me. I feel cheated because I want to eat all these foods.
Great news! A step in the right direction! But still so far to go. I’m still not eating there and definitely not my kids but it is better for the ones who do. I think what you are doing is AWESOME!
Will be glad when they do remove MSG. We love to eat here, but my daughter has to be careful. She gets server migrains from MSG. I have had this discussion with them before.
My daughter gets severe migraines as a result of the MSG in their food also; she refuses to eat there because she gets a headache within an hour after eating anything with MSG>
It took me a while to figure out what was triggering my migraines. When I finally started writing down what I was eating (as is always suggested) CFA was the common thread. A quick google search told me it was likely the MSG. It was the only fast food I was eating at that point so I have been fast food free for about 2 years. Guess what, no more migraines (knock on wood).
At least they’ve been willing to listen and do SOMETHING. That’s more than any other fast food chain. Good work, Vani!
I wish they’d take the peanut oil out. It poses a life-threatening hazard to my allergic son, and though we don’t eat there, kids always wind up eating things others provide at school, friends’ houses, etc.
Also, they could be more accepting.
Prove anywhere that they aren’t accepting of their customers. They are by far the friendliest and most accommodating restaurant you will find.
does this make Chick-Fil-A the least unhealthy national fast food restaurant?
So happy they are making changes!
So the author admits she is bias against them because of their Morals? Has she written against other food chains? Hypocrite
Exactly! I don’t understand the double standard here. I guess the founder and the chain is supposed to change who they are to accommodate other people and lose their own values while they’re at it. The hypocrisy is very obvious and I will unsubscribe from this website.
Nunya, Perhaps you should learn what the definition of Hypocrite is. If ignorance is bliss you must be very happy.
Awesome!!! Every effort helps!
Just wanted to point out that they do give out educational and family-oriented toys/games and not “ice dream” like you pointed out.
Actually, the kids can exchange the premium for an ice dream so she is somewhat correct.
They CAN but you know her article doesn’t say that nor was her comment intended to say that kids had an option.
True Jill and I wasn’t necessarily defending her just pointing out something that ppl might not know. I just stumbled on this blog and topic tonight. I have a somewhat vested interest as my husband has worked at CFA almost 30 yrs. I’m definitely being educated.
Im so proud of you Vani! I love that you are a voice for change and people are listening! A friend of mine that is a dietician owns a Chick-fil-A. I warned her about what was in the fast food she was selling but it fell on deaf ears. Thank you for making a difference! I tried but you take the cake.
you can not own a Chick fil A it is a wholly-owned company with no franchises. They have what is called operators, these individuals share in the profits of their particular stores.
This friend of mine was selected by the company to franchise a Chick-fil-A in our state. They invested the money required to run their own Chick-fil-A and are currently running that business and doing very well. http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Franchise-Opportunity
joliet…it’s people like you who have zero clue about our rights as provided by The Constitution. You lack the understanding that in America we are free to voice our opinions. Apparently you cannot handle peoples opinions that differ from yours. If you do not like CFA then do not eat there, no one is forcing you. Do not attack people based on your ZERO understanding of an idea/opinion a person is conveying. Did you take a minute to digest the thread? Doesn’t seem like it. You made assumptions and went into immediate attack mode. This does not garner respect from anyone, ans serves to detract from you. It is amazing that some people want to take away the rights and freedoms of others while in the same breath believing that they are the only person that deserves said freedom and rights.
JOLIET…
1. My original comment was to Vani, not anyone else…mind your own business. 2. I am free to express my opinion wbether you like it or not. 3. Clearly, you are an unbappy and angry person.
This is so wonderful! Now less children will be eating the chemicals and HFCS, even if their parents do take them there (I used to be one of them until I woke up).
Thank you Vani for doing what you do…just goes to show that one person can make a difference.
Now, how about that TBHQ in McDonald’s cr…errr I mean chicken nuggets?
Bet you could do that too!
Hugs and thank you on behalf of thousands of American children (I have two girls ages 10 and 11 and they don’t eat junk food…but they might decide to when they leave home…so this is helping EVERYBODY!).
Hooray!
Sarah
A Mom On A Spiritual Journey
This is HUGE news! Way to go girlfriend!
You. Totally. Rock, Vani! Please add aspartame/phenylalanine in chewing gum to your roster. It eats holes in the brains of mice and teenagers consume it all day long. I’d rather see HFCS instead, any day.
Wow well done Vani. It’s great to see a bunch of unconscious people forced to be more conscious even though they really don’t care.
Vani, you inspire me to speak up and do more to help a Food Awakening gain steam in this country!!! We’re behind you girl!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! That’s wonderful, .
Thank you sosososo much 🙂
This is FABULOUS news! I used to eat at Chick-fil-A but stopped eating at any fast food restaurant after learning the horrible facts about the foods there. I loved Chick-fil-A! If they clean up their food, maybe I can eat there again on occasion. Thanks so very much for all you do for all of us to stay healthy!!
I used to eat Chik-Fil-A all the time I thought I was getting better quality had no idea. Since I don’t eat there anymore I never thought anymore about it. So glad this happened. Good on ya Chik-Fil-A maybe more restaurants will take notice. Great work Vani 🙂
Strong work! Did you address MSG in their food? Thanks!
Thank you for all you do! There may be millions of people who will never have any idea that your efforts are changing the way America eats but will be healthy as a result. And thanks to Chic Fil A for listening and taking a step in the right direction. You are Wonder Woman!
If you want to get serious about GMO’s … Go after Tyson. They supply more chickens than anyone.
That’s great news. I don’t live in the USA, but I’m glad to hear changes are going to be made. It’s a sad state of affairs when a greedy corporation doesn’t know that putting garbage I their food is wrong. For ths reason alone they should be banned forever irregardless of their proposed changes,. I ask that you speak for the chickens first. The first change this company should start at is where they get their chicken flesh from. It’s really terrible for anyone to become rich off the suffering of innocent animals. Please be their voice. Ban factory farms forever!
I miss chick fil a but won’t eat there again untill MSG is removed!
Vani,
Great work, but you are working at the end of the food chain with the server. Your biggest issue is the GMO’s and antibiotics (both I agree with) in the chicken. Start with the chicken supplier… At any time Tyson has minimum of 6 million chickens in their system each day. These chicken are not raised, they are produced by adding the right chemicals
Big congratulations Vani, this is huge news. You are making excellent progress and thank you for everything you do.
Now, they must get decent, healthy , non-GMO chickens that have been raised properly.
thank you!!!!!!
I guess this is good but are we going to totally ignore their ideas about how we are suppose to live? those religious zealots should be boycotted regardless of these BS! changes they are still using conventional chickens raised under horrific circumstances! and still are telling people they can’t be together because they are of the same sex to me that is worse then adding poison to the food they sell which is allowed by the US government so why not promote a fast food company that isn’t as morally corrupt and at least has been doing things to improve the living standards of their products?
I’m sorry but this is a waste of time!
Sorry you feel this way Peter and everyone has the right to their opinion; even CFA. You have the right to eat someplace else and CFA has the right to serve food to those who wish to eat there. You seen the last response they got when their “controversial beliefs” were challenged. It caused long lines out the door in support of CFA and their beliefs. If there was a restaurant that only believed in gay marriage I would probably not give them my business but since that is their beliefs then be it. If you spend your entire life getting upset because someone does not support your beliefs….well you are going to be an unhappy person. I wish you well and no hard feelings. God Bless (its ok I say that right)
Peter, believe it or not, I respect gay people and treat them like I would anyone. I know some wonderful gay people who are just the nicest. But I do not agree with them. Respect does not mean agree. I can respect my fellow beings without agreeing and conforming to everything they say.
I love it when change is made by a large company in part to the consumers concerns. I know many are saying they would not eat the food anyways; well then you are not their core market then anyways and these changes would not matter to you. I enjoy Chick-Fil-A, if I had to choose between McDonalds and CFA, it is hands down CFA.
One other ingredient you might want to ask them about is the Anti-Foaming Agent they add to their chicken patties. Just sounds bad. Thanks
Peter, just the opposite. I do not hate anyone. I have friends of all beliefs who are adult enough to make their own decisions. Just because they do not have the same beliefs that I do does not mean I go around calling them names and protesting against them.
What I dislike is any group that insists that their belief be a right and that everyone else should support it.
Peter, have a great day!
Peter,
I love reading hate-filled comments from people accusing others of hate.
Scott,
Thanks for being reasonable and tempered in your responses. Let’s hope Peter follows your exammple.
Thanks for all you do! I have shared much of your information with family and friends. Much to my surprise and delight, they’ve made healthy changes and are now spreading the word as well! This is just another gem to share. You make such a difference!
Don’t mind the haters, they’re not doing anything to change the way we eat, you are! Keep up the good work – we all owe you a great deal of thanks!
Haven’t read ALL the comments, but in a quick scan didn’t read anything about Chick-fil-A’s aggressive anti-gay stance. So no matter what they do or don’t serve or what their food does or doesn’t have in it, I wouldn’t step foot in the place.
Super Inspiring!
What amazing work!
Yahoooo. I used to be worried about disagreeing with others especially when the other ones were an authority. It is bringing me tears to see you stand up to what you think is unethical, unhealthy and unfair with such bravery and courage. This is what it means when they “by shining your light bright you give permission for others to do the same”. You do have an army behind you. And I am one of them.
to “scott”
Glad to see you are one of those religious zealots that believe in the jesus fairytale and care less about people and I’m sure the welfare of animals all i can say is I’m glad to see that your kind is getting less and less the attention you all so seek to spread your hate
yea for a step in the right direction! awesome!
Well done, they are listening and what a fantastic success for you Vani. I doubt that they will change their chicken, non-GMO/Organic fed chicken is expensive and they will loose profits – people won’t pay higher prices for that choice. I still won’t eat there.