USE OF COLOR ADDITIVE FD&C RED NO. 4

Proprietors of distilled spirits plants, breweries, manufacturers of nonbeverage products, and others concerned:

This circular is issued to inform you that the recent amendments of Food and Drug regulations as published in the Federal Register for December 11, 1964, provide that certificates issued heretofore for the use of the color additive FD&C Red No. 4 and of all mixtures containing such color additive will be cancelled effective June 9, 1965, insofar as food and ingested drugs and cosmetics are concerned. Further, the use of the color additive in the manufacture of food and ingested drugs and cosmetics after June 9, 1965, will result in adulteration. However, no action need be taken to remove food and ingested drugs and cosmetics containing the additive from the market. Certificates will continue in effect for the use of the color additive in drugs and cosmetics which are not ingested.

In view of the above, and as you were advised in Industry Circular No. 65-4, formulas on Forms 27-B Supplemental or 1678, and other requests calling for use of FD&C Red No. 4 will not be approved by the Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division.

Inquiries regarding this circular should refer to its number and be addressed to your Assistant Regional Commissioner, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax.

Harold A. Serr

Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division