Recent regulatory shifts in the U.S. food industry, driven by health concerns over synthetic dyes, are reshaping how companies approach food coloring. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to phase out eight artificial dyes by the end of 2026, following the ban on Red No. 3, which must be removed from food by January 2027 due to its link to cancer in animal studies. This transition is pushing food manufacturers to seek natural, safe, and compliant alternatives—particularly for kosher-certified products. OU Kosher, the world’s leading kosher certification agency, is at the forefront of helping its certified companies adapt to these changes.
The Current Climate: Insights from Thymly Products
Thymly Products, an OU Kosher certified company, is among those navigating this evolving landscape. Trey Muller-Thym, President of Thymly Products, shared his perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by the dye bans.
Muller-Thym’s insights highlight the broader industry trend: companies must balance regulatory compliance, consumer preferences, and kosher certification requirements while maintaining product quality.
OU Kosher Certified Companies Leading with Replacement Dyes
Several OU Kosher certified companies are stepping up to provide natural dye alternatives, helping food manufacturers replace synthetic colors like Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Blue 1 & 2, Yellow 5 & 6, and Green 3. These companies are leveraging plant-based and other natural sources to deliver vibrant, kosher-compliant colors.
- ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company): A global leader in food processing, ADM offers a portfolio of natural and synthetic food colors, including anthocyanins and caramel colors. Their natural color solutions are designed to meet the needs of kosher-certified products while ensuring stability and vibrancy.
- Shank’s Extracts: Known for its flavor and color solutions, Shank’s provides natural color extracts that align with kosher standards, offering manufacturers reliable alternatives for reformulating products.
- K kalsec Inc.: Specializing in carotenoids like paprika and lutein, Kalsec delivers natural food colors that are both kosher-certified and stable across various food applications, from beverages to snacks.
- The Plant Colors Group: This innovative company focuses on plant-based color solutions, providing kosher-compliant options that cater to the growing demand for clean-label ingredients.
- Oterra, LLC: A leader in natural colors, Oterra offers solutions like red beet, red radish, and jagua blue extracts, which are FDA-approved and kosher-certified. Their recent partnership with Vaxa Technologies introduced Arctic Blue, a spirulina-based color, further expanding their portfolio.
- Gold Coast Ingredients: Gold Coast provides custom natural color solutions, working closely with manufacturers to ensure kosher compliance and seamless integration into food products.
These companies are well-positioned to support the industry’s transition, offering kosher-certified natural dyes that meet both regulatory and consumer expectations.
Leveraging OU Kosher’s Resources
As the world’s leading kosher certification agency, OU Kosher is uniquely equipped to assist companies during this transition. With the largest database of OU Kosher certified ingredients and approved ingredients from other kosher agencies, OU Kosher provides unparalleled support for supply chain management. Operating in over 105 countries with more than 800 field representatives, OU Kosher maintains constant contact with ingredient producers, ensuring a steady flow of compliant materials.
Action Steps for OU Kosher Certified Companies:
- Search LOCs on oukosher.org: Use the OU Kosher website to access Letters of Certification (LOCs) and verify the kosher status of ingredients, including natural dye alternatives.
- Contact Your Rabbinic Coordinator (RC): Your RC can provide personalized guidance on sourcing kosher-compliant natural colors and navigating supply chain challenges.
- Explore OU Kosher’s Global Network: Leverage OU Kosher’s extensive relationships with ingredient producers worldwide to secure reliable, certified natural dye sources.
By working with OU Kosher, companies can ensure their reformulated products remain compliant while meeting the demands of a health-conscious market.
Looking Ahead
The phase-out of synthetic dyes is a significant step toward safer, more natural food systems, but it requires careful planning and collaboration. OU Kosher certified companies like Thymly Products, ADM, Shank’s, Kalsec, The Plant Color Group, Oterra, and Gold Coast Ingredients are leading the way, offering innovative solutions that align with kosher standards and regulatory requirements.
“The future of food coloring is natural, and we’re committed to being part of that shift,” Muller-Thym noted.”
Food manufacturers facing the dye ban challenge are encouraged to tap into OU Kosher’s resources. Visit the LOC search at oukosher.org to search for certified ingredients, connect with your Rabbinic Coordinator, and explore the world’s most comprehensive kosher ingredient database. Together, OU Kosher and its certified companies are paving the way for a vibrant, compliant, and sustainable future in food production.