The health and wellness industry is undergoing a significant shift following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to ban FD&C Red No. 3 in food, dietary supplements, and ingested drugs. This synthetic dye, long associated with various health risks, is now being phased out — a move that signals a broader trend towards safer, more natural alternatives.

Why Is FD&C Red No. 3 Being Banned?

FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, has been under scrutiny for decades due to studies linking it to carcinogenic effects in lab animals. Although the dye had been banned in cosmetics since 1990, its continued use in food and supplements raised ongoing concerns. The FDA’s recent decision finally aligns food safety regulations with mounting scientific evidence and consumer demand for healthier options.

What Does This Mean for the Bioactive Ingredients Industry?

The ban on FD&C Red No. 3 presents a unique opportunity for the bioactive ingredients industry to lead the shift toward natural, plant-based alternatives. As manufacturers reformulate products, the demand for natural colorants like beetroot powder, turmeric, spirulina, and anthocyanin-rich extracts will likely surge.

Bioactive ingredients not only provide vibrant, natural color but also offer added health benefits. For example, beetroot powder delivers a rich red hue while supporting cardiovascular health, and turmeric provides a warm yellow tone along with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Meeting Consumer Demand for Clean Labels

Today’s consumers are more informed and health-conscious than ever, seeking out products with clean labels and transparent ingredient lists. The removal of synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 3 opens the door for brands to embrace natural ingredients that enhance both product appeal and nutritional value.

By integrating bioactive ingredients as natural colorants, companies can align with this growing demand while promoting holistic wellness.

The Future of Food Coloring

The FDA’s ban is just one step in a broader movement away from artificial additives. As regulations tighten and consumer preferences evolve, the bioactive industry will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food, supplements, and cosmetics.

Embracing natural colorants derived from bioactive ingredients not only supports health-conscious choices but also reinforces the commitment to sustainability and transparency — values that are increasingly driving purchasing decisions.

Now more than ever, the transition to clean, bioactive-based solutions represents a win-win for both consumers and the health industry.