The edible printing industry is preparing for an important change as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) phases out the use of FD&C Red No. 3, a synthetic food dye commonly used in food products, including certain edible inks designed for printing on cakes, cookies, and other edible decorations.
For bakeries, cake decorators, and businesses that use edible ink printers, understanding these new regulations is essential to maintaining compliance while continuing to produce vibrant, high-quality edible images.
Why Is the FDA Banning Red No. 3?
On January 15, 2025, the FDA announced that it was revoking authorization for FD&C Red No. 3, also known as erythrosine, in food and ingested drugs.
The decision followed the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits the authorization of food color additives found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
Studies demonstrated that high doses of Red No. 3 caused cancer in male laboratory rats. However, the FDA has stated that the mechanism responsible for these findings in rats does not occur in humans and that available scientific evidence does not support the conclusion that Red No. 3 causes cancer in humans.
When Must Edible Ink Manufacturers Comply?
The FDA established specific compliance deadlines:
-
January 15, 2027: Manufacturers must remove Red No. 3 from food products, including edible inks used to decorate food.
-
January 18, 2028: Manufacturers must remove Red No. 3 from ingested drug products.
These deadlines give manufacturers time to reformulate their products and transition to alternative approved colorants.
How Will This Affect Edible Ink Formulations?
Red No. 3 has traditionally been used to produce bright red and pink shades. It may also be included in formulations for other colors, including magenta and black.
Removing this dye requires more than simply substituting another red colorant. Edible ink manufacturers must consider color accuracy, viscosity, printhead compatibility, drying characteristics, and long-term stability.
One potential alternative is FD&C Red No. 40, an FDA-approved synthetic food dye. However, Red No. 40 does not produce exactly the same shade as Red No. 3, so additional formulation adjustments may be necessary.
Manufacturers must also ensure that replacement colorants comply with FDA requirements for their intended use.
InkProducts Inc. Prepares for the Transition
At InkProducts Inc., we understand the importance of providing dependable edible inks that deliver consistent printing results.
As an American ink manufacturer with more than 35 years of experience, we are working toward transitioning our edible ink products to formulations that do not contain FD&C Red No. 3.
Our goal is to maintain the vibrant colors, reliable ink flow, and printing performance our customers have come to expect while meeting the new FDA requirements.
We anticipate introducing our Red No. 3-free edible ink formulations in late November or early December 2026, ahead of the January 2027 compliance deadline.
What Should Customers Do?
Customers currently using edible ink printers should review the ingredients in their inks and stay informed about upcoming product changes.
The FDA's transition period allows manufacturers time to reformulate their products. Customers should verify that their edible inks meet applicable requirements as the compliance deadline approaches.
InkProducts Inc. remains committed to providing high-quality, American-made edible inks while adapting to changing industry regulations.
For additional information, visit www.inkproducts.com or contact us at 863-223-1805.
