Haribo Gummy Bears and Artificial Flavors (the EU vs. the US of A)

My friend photographer Kris Shires is obsessed with Haribo Gummy Bears. But becoming a new mom (she was expecting when this email was sent) has made her examine everything that she eats. Upon a recent visit to Europe she discovered the Haribo uses natural flavorings and colors (or colours as they say over there) in Europe while their counterpart in America is full of artificial flavorings and colors. Unhappy with this news she decided to send the company an email (and at 1:18 in the morning no less):

-Original Message- From: Kristina Shires
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 1:18 AM
To: info@us.haribo.com
Subject: Contact (www.haribo.com)
I was was recently in Spain and noticed that the Haribo gummy Bears in Europe are made with all natural flavors AND colors. Why is this not the case with the Gummy Bears Sold in the US, which are made with artificial colors and flavors? I am really disappointed that the high standards set in Europe do not seem to apply over here.

Europe has always been more stringent when it comes demanding "cleaner" food. Especially after a 2007 a study funded by the EU Food Standards Agency (FSA) drew a link between temper tantrums, poor concentration, and allergic reactions such as asthma and rashes, to chemical food additives. Unfortunately until Americans start speaking up for cleaner food this is the standard response we'll receive.

From: INFO <info@us.haribo.com> Date: March 20, 2012 7:29:18 PDT To: Kristina Shires Subject: Haribo Response
Dear Kristina,
Thank you for your email.
Haribo Gold-Bears that are sold in Europe are not too different from the Gold-Bears that are sold in the U.S. The recipes are the same. With the exception of Haribo in Europe not using artificial coloring and flavors and the additional flavor/color (green apple flavored bear), there is no difference.
Thank you for your interest in Haribo.
Regards,
Chantele Beads Haribo of America, Inc.

So, as always, if you want what's put in our food to change, speak up! We as consumers always have the right to clean food but only if we ask for it!