Schwan's Embarks on Ingredient Simplicity Initiative

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Schwan Food Co. has committed to eliminating four ingredient groups from its broad food portfolio, with the goal of making foods with more familiar ingredients. This initiative to simplify its ingredient lists is part of Schwan's efforts to meet the health and wellness expectations of consumers, the company said.

The following ingredient groups will be removed from the food made by the company's Schwan's Global Supply Chain Inc. subsidiary:

• Partially hydrogenated oils and artificial trans fats. Schwan eliminated added trans fats from the vast majority of foods leading up to 2007 and has committed to eliminating partially hydrogenated oils — a source of trans fats — in all foods by the end of 2015.
• Artificial (certified) dyes. The company has committed to removing artificial dyes from all foods by the end of 2015.
• High-fructose corn syrup. The company has set a goal to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup by the end of 2016.
• Artificial flavors. The company has set a goal to eliminate artificial flavors by the end of 2017.

These changes are being made while maintaining consumer expectations for taste and quality, the company assured.

"As a frozen-food leader, we are committed to offering quality foods made with the same recognizable ingredients you would find in your pantry," said Dimitrios Smyrnios, CEO of The Schwan Food Co. "We are working to eliminate artificial trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors and dyes over the next two years, and we will continue to evaluate our ingredient lists to ensure we are satisfying consumer expectations."

The company is also focused on providing food that meets a variety of consumer needs, including certified gluten free, certified organic, no sugar added, low sodium, low calorie, vegetarian and heart-healthy options that are already available in its broad portfolio.

"Consumer satisfaction and overall experience with our food is of the utmost importance to our company and employees," added Stacey Fowler, senior vice president of product innovation and development at The Schwan Food Co. "Our team is hard at work to deliver foods that are free from unfamiliar ingredients and provide consumers with a great experience."

The ingredient groups to be eliminated will be removed from Schwan-branded foods sold by every subsidiary of The Schwan Food Co., including Schwan's Home Service Inc., Schwan's Consumer Brands Inc. and Schwan's Food Service Inc.