Synthetic Food Dye Bans in the U.S.: What This Could Mean for Food Manufacturers

Earlier in 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be banning the use of certain synthetic food dyes in the United States.

This change may not come as a surprise to food manufacturers in other countries, where these coloring agents have been banned for many years.

However, for companies that have been manufacturing food containing these synthetic dyes, impending bans may leave manufacturers wondering what to do next.

More About the FDA Ban on Synthetic Food Dyes

More specifically, the FDA has ruled that it will be banning the use of Red No. 3 as part of the new rule. There are many reasons as to why this food coloring agent is being banned in the United States, beginning with research that has found links between the dye and cancer in lab settings.

Red No. 3 is being banned by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act’s Delaney Clause, which “prohibits the FDA from approving the use of any food additive found to cause cancer in animals or humans.”

However, what’s important to be aware of when it comes to this ban is that it is being implemented gradually. Specifically, foods sold in the United States will not need to conform to new standards until January 2027, which gives food manufacturers time to refine their practices and eliminate banned dyes from their products.

In addition to Red No. 3, the FDA has also announced plans to ban other synthetic dyes as part of this legislation. If enacted, this may include bans on the following:

• • Citrus Red No. 2
  • Blue No. 2
  • Blue No. 1
  • Yellow No. 6
  • Yellow No. 5

Potential Impact on Food Manufacturers

For global food manufacturers shipping products to countries where these synthetic dyes have already been banned, the new FDA bans may be less disruptive to business practices. However, for manufacturers that have been using dyes in their foods that will be banned in the next couple of years, now is the time to start planning ahead.

For starters, food manufacturers are encouraged to explore alternatives to banned food dyes sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives that have proven to be effective in replacing these dyes, although it may take some trial and error for R&D teams to determine the best substitutes for individual products.

Meanwhile, food manufacturers may need to prepare for updates to their ingredients labels and packaging to reflect the use of new coloring agents. And in the lead-up to the actual ban on products containing Red No. 3, it is important for food manufacturers to create and implement a phaseout plan of these products to be prepared and avoid compliance issues.

What Else You Need to Know

Even though Red No. 3 will not be officially banned until 2027, the process of phasing out this food coloring agent and updating all manufacturing processes can be complex. With this in mind, it’s ideal for food manufacturers to start planning now, rather than taking the risk of waiting until the last minute.

As part of the planning process, business leaders and decision-makers should meet with stakeholders to discuss specific changes that need to be made — as well as the financial implications of these changes. For many businesses, investments will need to be made in the area of research and development to explore suitable alternatives to banned dyes. If this is the case for your business, be sure to explore the potential for R&D tax credits and other incentives that could help your manufacturing business offset some of its incurred costs.

When to Consult with an Industry Professional

The landscape of food manufacturing is shifting in the United States, and it is likely that these food dye bans are just the first of many to occur in the coming years. While only time will tell what the future holds, the reality is that food manufacturers need to start preparing for these bans now to avoid issues down the road.

If your business needs more assistance when it comes to navigating these FDA bans or exploring alternative options, consider meeting with a knowledgeable food and beverage business advisor. From there, you can get the help you need in adjusting your business strategy to ensure compliance while protecting your company’s bottom line during these changing times. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us.