Tag: Clean label ingredients

In January 2025, the FDA officially banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food, drugs, and cosmetics due to potential cancer risks identified in animal studies. This nationwide ruling follows earlier restrictions and has prompted manufacturers to seek viable, safe alternatives to maintain the vibrant red hues in their products.

The FDA officially banned Red Dye 3 in January 2025, nearly 35 years after prohibiting its use in cosmetics due to cancer concerns in lab rats. This decision has prompted food and drug manufacturers to rapidly seek replacements for the controversial additive, leaving many consumers wondering what's going to replace red dye 3 in their favorite products.

Lecithin, a naturally occurring lipid mixture, must be modified to enhance its functionality for certain applications. Hydrolyzed lecithin is produced when standard lecithin undergoes enzymatic treatment, altering its molecular structure to create a more potent and water-dispersible emulsifier. This process enhances its performance in a wide range of products, from baked goods to cosmetics.

Globally, there are no commercially available varieties of genetically modified sunflowers, a key distinction for consumers examining their dietary choices. This fact confirms that sunflower lecithin, derived from sunflower seeds, is inherently a non-GMO product.

According to the FDA's final rule, the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in foods and beverages was revoked, with manufacturers having until August 2, 2025, to comply with the new regulation. But what replaced BVO in popular citrus-flavored drinks? The primary replacements are Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB) and Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (GEWR).

Growing consumer awareness about synthetic additives has led to a surge in demand for clean-label products. This shift has prompted many to seek a natural alternative to tartrazine, the synthetic yellow dye FD&C Yellow 5, for safer and more natural food coloring.