Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Beetroot Red
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Rule
Summary
The FDA is giving the green light for beetroot red to be used as a safe food color in most human foods, except for certain USDA products, infant formula, and foods with special color rules. This change starts March 23, 2026, and food makers can now use this natural color without extra certification. If anyone wants to object or ask for a hearing, they must do so by March 9, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Beetroot Red Approved; No Batch Certification
The FDA listed "beetroot red" as a color additive that may be used to color human foods generally, in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice, effective March 23, 2026. FDA also concluded batch certification of beetroot red is not necessary, so manufacturers can use this color additive without the color-additive batch certification process.
Use Restricted in Certain Foods
Beetroot red may not be used to color products regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (meat, poultry, egg products under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, or Egg Products Inspection Act), infant formula, or foods with standards of identity under section 401 of the FD&C Act, unless those standards specifically authorize added color. This restriction is effective March 23, 2026.
Mandatory Heavy Metal Specifications
Beetroot red must meet FDA specifications: lead not more than 0.15 mg/kg (0.15 ppm), arsenic not more than 0.05 mg/kg (0.05 ppm), mercury not more than 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 ppm), and cadmium not more than 0.05 mg/kg (0.05 ppm). These specifications apply to the color additive as of March 23, 2026.
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