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

Following the FDA's recent ban on Red Dye 3, Fairytale Cotton Candy, a prominent manufacturer located in Des Moines, Iowa, is reworking its recipes for over 9,000 food items. The ban, which takes effect in January 2027, stems from concerns over the dye's potential health risks, including its link to cancer in animal studies. The Delaney Clause was invoked to enforce this prohibition, reflecting a significant regulatory shift in food safety standards. Meg Shearer, the company's president, expressed a commitment to replacing Red 3 with natural ingredients, such as beet and radish powders, which aligns with a broader trend toward healthier food additives. Around 15% of their 60 flavors, including the popular Unicorn flavor, will require reformulation.

The company is proactive in making these changes, anticipating consumer demand for products free from synthetic dyes. Additionally, Shearer speculated that Red Dye 40 might be the next target for FDA regulation due to its own health concerns. This initiative not only showcases Fairytale Cotton Candy's responsiveness to regulatory changes but also highlights a growing consumer preference for natural products in the food industry.