LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In June of 2015 Papa John’s International Inc. announced it would work to remove 14 ingredients from its menu in an effort to “clean up” the labels of its products. Today in a follow up letter from “Papa John Schnatter,” founder, chairman and CEO, the company stated it had fulfilled that promise. The letter stated that the “full removal” of all 14 ingredients was complete.
“…As part of our Clean Label commitment to you, Papa John's was the first national pizza delivery chain to announce the removal of: preservatives such as BHA and BHT, flavor enhancer MSG, cellulose and partially hydrogenated oils, and High Fructose Corn Syrup. We also fully transitioned our chicken used in grilled chicken pizza toppings and chicken poppers to be fed on a vegetarian diet and raised without human or animal antibiotics. And as we promised this summer – we’ve completed the transition to cage-free eggs across our entire menu…”
The letter goes on to promise consumers a continuous commitment to improve on the company’s commitment of “Better ingredients. Better pizza.”
“…This fall, you will hear more from us with new and innovative menu items that remain true to our clean ingredient promise. We continue to prioritize our path of quality and transparency, and work to deliver better ingredients with every single order…”
The 14 ingredients removed from Papa John’s menu are:
Artificial Colors (Synthetic and Certified FD&C)
1. Synthetic Beta Carotene
2. Caramel Color
3. Corn Syrup Solids
4. Titanium Dioxide (color enhancer)
Artificial Flavors
5. Vanillin
Flavor Enhancers
6. Disodium Guanylate
7. Disodium Inosinate
8. Hydrolyzed Corn/Soy Protein
9. Autolyzed Yeast
Sweeteners
10. HFCS
11. Corn Syrup
Preservatives
12. Calcium Propionate
13. Phosphoric Acids
Other
14. Maltodextrin - thickener
