Navigating the Transition from FD&C Red No. 3 to Natural Colors in Food Manufacturing

On January 15, 2025, the FDA made a significant announcement regarding the revocation of the authorization for FD&C Red No. 3 in food products and ingestible medications. This change will take effect on January 15, 2027, for food items and January 18, 2028, for drugs. Manufacturers are faced with the urgent need to reformulate their products to eliminate Red 3, and they should begin this process sooner rather than later to avoid potential complications as they move forward.

The Surge for Natural Colors

The trend towards natural colorants in the food and beverage sector is intensifying. Companies are now realizing the critical importance of transitioning to natural alternatives well in advance. Waiting too long can not only result in losing out on preferred ingredients but could also necessitate formulating with less effective substitutes that do not deliver the desired attributes in color, performance, or cost.

Due to constraints in natural resource supply chains, it’s essential to act promptly. The challenge lies in the fact that a single major company could potentially deplete the existing stock of certain natural color sources, leaving others in a difficult position. A sudden rush to convert may lead to compromises in quality and functionality.

Consumer Preferences in Focus

Beyond regulatory changes, food and beverage companies are noticing an increasingly health-conscious consumer base that scrutinizes ingredient labels. A recent study from Mintel revealed some compelling statistics: 34% of American consumers are swayed by claims of