Everything You Need to Know About the Red Dye No. 3 Ban—and How It Affects Your Labels
The FDA recently announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, a common synthetic food coloring used in many food and beverage products. This decision has significant implications for product formulations—and your product labels.
At DWS, we’re here to ensure your labels stay compliant and reflect the most up-to-date product information. Here’s what you need to know about the ban and how we can help.
Red Dye No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, has been widely used in foods, beverages, candies, and other consumables to achieve vibrant red and pink hues. However, recent studies have prompted its removal due to health concerns.
If your product currently contains Red Dye No. 3, you’ll need to reformulate and update your labels to comply with FDA regulations. Non-compliance could result in fines, product recalls, or lost consumer trust. Some examples of foods that may contain Red 3 include:
Brightly-colored candies
Sodas
Juices
Yogurts
Popsicles
Cookies
Frosting
Vegetarian meats
Frozen casseroles
Food Products: Manufacturers must remove Red Dye No. 3 from all food items by January 15, 2027.
Ingested Drugs: Manufacturers have until January 18, 2028, to eliminate Red Dye No. 3 from oral medications.
Learn more HERE.
Ingredient Lists: Red Dye No. 3 must be removed and replaced with alternative ingredients, which will need to be reflected in your ingredient list.
Claims and Marketing Copy: Any claims related to natural or artificial coloring will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Design Updates: Reformulations may alter your product’s appearance, potentially requiring new label designs to align with updated branding.
Ingredient Lists: Post-reformulation, your labels must accurately reflect the removal of Red Dye No. 3 and the inclusion of any alternative colorants.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring your labels meet FDA standards is crucial to avoid potential penalties or product recalls.
Brand Transparency: Communicating these changes transparently can strengthen consumer trust and loyalty.
Quick Updates: The DWS team is ready to help you update your ingredient lists and claims to meet FDA compliance.
Design Adjustments: If reformulation affects your product’s appearance, we can assist in redesigning your labels to maintain brand consistency and appeal.
In-House Art Department: Our talented in-house art team can help you redesign or adjust your label layouts to reflect ingredient changes while maintaining your brand’s visual appeal.
Don’t Wait—Stay Ahead of the Change
The Red Dye No. 3 ban is already in motion, and compliance deadlines will arrive before you know it. With so many companies needing to make these updates, waiting too long could lead to production delays. Let’s work together to ensure your labels are accurate, compliant, and ready for the shelves.
