Metro cotton candy manufacturer making changes to products after Red Dye 3 ban

Fairytale Cotton Candy, a prominent manufacturer in Des Moines, Iowa, is reformulating its products following the FDA's recent ban on Red Dye 3, a synthetic dye implicated in health concerns. The ban, enacted under the Delaney Clause, impacts over 9,000 food items, including 15% of Fairytale's diverse 60 flavors. Meg Shearer, the company's president, emphasizes the shift towards natural ingredients, utilizing alternatives like beet and radish powders instead of synthetic dyes. Local dietician Stacy Mitchell highlights that earlier studies linked Red Dye 3 to thyroid cancer in rats, though the amounts consumed were extraordinarily high. As the FDA's ban will officially take effect in January 2027, Fairytale is eager to implement these changes sooner to cater to health-conscious consumers.

This shift not only reflects a growing demand for healthier food options but also aligns with legislative movements in Iowa, where a bill is being considered to limit certain food additives in school meals. Shearer notes that while some color vibrancy may be lost, the focus remains on offering a better-for-you product. The proactive stance of Fairytale Cotton Candy illustrates a broader trend in the food industry towards more natural and transparent ingredient sourcing.