FDA recently banning several artificial food dyes (e.g., Red No. 3)- kashrus concerns?

 With the FDA recently banning several artificial food dyes (e.g., Red No. 3), manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural alternatives — some of which may present kashrus concerns, particularly for ingredients derived from insects or non-kosher animals. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely ahead and what kosher consumers should watch for:

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1. Common Natural Food Coloring Replacements

As artificial dyes are phased out, here are natural colorants that may become more common:

✅ Kosher-Suitable Natural Sources

These are generally considered acceptable with proper supervision:

• Beet juice (red/pink)

• Turmeric (yellow)

• Paprika or annatto (orange/yellow; needs hashgacha due to extraction concerns)

• Spinach extract or chlorophyll (green)

• Grape skin extract or elderberry (purple)

• Carrot juice, pumpkin extract (orange)

Each of these may still require kosher certification, especially for commercial use, due to processing equipment and potential additives.

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2. Problematic Natural Sources (Likely to Rise in Use)

These are of concern for kashrus reasons:

❌ Cochineal / Carmine (E120)

• Source: Ground up cochineal insects.

• Color: Deep red/pink.

• Kashrus Status: Not kosher. Considered non-kosher insect-derived and completely assur (prohibited).

• Use cases: Yogurts, beverages, candies, juices, lipstick, and more.

• Likelihood of resurgence: High. It's a stable, vibrant, natural red dye — likely to replace Red No. 3 in non-kosher or poorly supervised products.

❌ Shellac / Resinous Glaze

• Source: Secretions from the lac insect.

• Use: Shiny coating on candies (e.g., jelly beans, chocolate lentils), pills, and fruits.

• Kashrus Status: Controversial. Some hold it is not kosher; others are lenient in non-food use. Major kashrus agencies tend to avoid it or certify only synthetic alternatives.

• Likelihood of use: Medium to high, especially in confectionery and pill coatings.

❌ Bone Char / Animal Carbon

• Use: Filtering agent in sugar refining (not a coloring agent, but relevant in processing).

• Source: Animal bones, often non-kosher.

• Kashrus Status: Usually avoided by reliable hashgachas. Some leniencies exist under specific conditions, but consumers rely on certified sugar to avoid issues.

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3. Regulatory and Marketing Influence

• "Natural" marketing claims often lead manufacturers to prefer animal/insect-based colorants like carmine, as these are perceived as healthier alternatives to synthetic dyes.

• Vegans and vegetarians are also pushing for plant-based replacements — which ironically helps the kosher consumer, as companies often label "carmine-free" or "insect-free" for these markets.

• Kashrus agencies are well aware of these shifts and are increasingly vigilant, especially in health food sectors, natural candies, beverages, and supplements.

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4. What Should Kosher Consumers Watch For?

📌 Label Red Flags:

• “Carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or “E120” – avoid.

• “Natural color” – vague term; may include insect-based dyes. Always look for certification.

• “Resinous glaze,” “confectioner’s glaze” – may refer to shellac.

• Products with a natural or organic label but no hashgacha are not automatically kosher.

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Summary

As artificial dyes are banned, the use of natural alternatives — including insect-based and animal-derived colorants — will likely increase, especially in non-certified products. For the kosher consumer, this means greater vigilance is necessary, particularly regarding red and shiny colorings in foods and pills. The kosher industry is adapting, but consumers should always look for proper certification and avoid relying on ingredient lists alone.