The US FDA has banned the use of Red No.3 food colouring in food products from January 15, 2027. About 13% of US candy goods have this dye. It is also found in biscuits, cookies, mint, and icing. In fact, drug manufacturers including Rite Aid, Takeda Pharmaceutical and Abbott Laboratories who also use this colouring will have to reformulate their products.
Also Read: Consumer Spending Increases on Innovative D2C Brands Than Large FMCG Companies
The ban comes after a petition was signed by eminent politicians and scientists invoking the Delaney Clause. Amongst the people who signed it were Linda Birnbaum, Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Services and Robert F Kennedy Junior.
This ban will impact a wide range of processed foods, including candies, baked goods, beverages, and other items that rely on Red No. 3 for their vibrant red hue. Food manufacturers will now need to seek alternative coloring agents to maintain the visual appeal of their products. This could lead to a surge in the use of natural food colourings, such as beet juice extract or annatto, although those may present their own formulation challenges.
Also Read: Dr. Blossom Kochhar Releases 5th Book, the Glow Getter’s Guide to Everyday Skincare
Interestingly, the same colouring was banned in cosmetics about 30 years ago.
