Kraft Mac & Cheese shedding the dyes

NEW YORK — This is the last year the original version of Kraft Mac & Cheese sold in the U.S. will contain artificial preservatives or synthetic colors.

In January, Kraft says its macaroni and cheese will be colored using paprika, annatto and turmeric.

There has been a huge shift away from processed foods in the U.S. recently.

Kraft said that its other macaroni and cheese varieties sold in the U.S. will have no artificial flavors, preservatives or synthetic colors later next year.

ESPN objects to Verizon’s new plan

NEW YORK — Breaking up the cable-TV bundle won’t be easy.

ESPN is objecting to how Verizon is giving its FiOS TV customers more choice. In new plans that went into effect Sunday, Verizon made the ESPN and ESPN2 sports channels optional, but ESPN says its contracts with Verizon prohibit the channels from being in a separate sports package.