Price hikes have been linked to the cost of p-cresidine sulphonic acid rising, which is used in the production of Red 40, says Chr Hansen.
‘Switch to natural’
“Our best advice to food manufacturers, who are concerned about the price fluctuations for Red 40, is to use this as an opportunity to switch to a naturally derived alternative,” it adds.
Chr Hansen’s Ultra Stable Red colouring is a close shade match to Red 40 and is up to 40% more stable than other natural red shades, the company claims.
The products are derived from vegetable-based sources and are available in liquid and powder forms.