Hershey to use simpler ingredients in chocolate bars

Hershey Co, one of the largest manufacturers of chocolate in the world has announced to use simpler ingredients in its chocolate bars and kisses brands, reported Reuters.

The company is taking such steps in accordance with the US consumers' concerns about the quality and sourcing of food.

The chocolate maker is planning to use locally produced milk, would shift to using simpler ingredients earlier this year.

Kit-Kat maker Nestle's US unit said on Tuesday that it planned to remove artificial flavours and FDA-certified colours from all Nestle chocolate candy by the end of 2015.

Hershey on Wednesday did not mention whether it would consider dropping any ingredient because of the new policy.

Information on the sourcing, manufacturing and labelling of the products would be made available on the packaging or online, the company said.

The Pennsylvania-based brand also reaffirmed its full-year 2015 sales and profit forecast and also announced a $250 million share buyback program.