Dear Editor,

The US Food and Drug Administration’s ban on red dye 3, also known as erythrosine, could have several implications for Jamaican consumers and manufacturers. The focus must be on protecting the health of consumers.

A national education and sensitisation programme must be undertaken to bring awareness to our consumers. The lacklustre response from the Government and other regulatory bodies is very disturbing.

This recent ban in the US is another example of the need for proper food package labelling.

Consumers will be impacted in the following ways:

• Product availability: Many food and cosmetic products that contain red dye 3 may become less available.

•Health awareness: Increased awareness and education around artificial dyes may lead to changes in consumer preferences, encouraging a shift towards natural or dye-free products.

•Price changes: Manufacturers seeking alternatives or reformulation products without red dye 3 will increase prices due to changes in ingredient costs.

Jamaican manufacturers will have to grapple with, among other things:

•Formulation changes: Manufacturers will need to reformulate products to comply with the ban, which could incur research and development costs and alter production processes.

•Supply chain adjustments: Companies may need to find new ingredients and suppliers, causing disruptions or increased costs in sourcing.

•Market competition: Domestic manufacturers producing dye-free products may find new marketing opportunities, while those reliant on red dye 3 could face challenges.

Overall, while the FDA ban on red dye 3 primarily affects the US, its ripple effects will likely reach Jamaica and other Caribbean nations, necessitating proactive measures from governments and industries alike. Taking a proactive approach will place Jamaica ahead of the problem. Remarkably, the dye has already been banned for food use in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Michael Diamond

President, Consumers Intervention of Jamaica (CIJ)