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Rules, swaps, suppliers and costs for brands moving off synthetic dyes. Every page shows its sources and the date we last checked them.
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Get your minimums and specialties in front of brands that are reformulating.
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Federal actions, state laws and brand pledges, each with its source.
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Xponent21 launches OTHER Natural Flavors: how AI brand visibility agencies are moving into data and information
Xponent21 launched OTHER Natural Flavors, a free information service that publishes sourced FDA dye dates, state laws, ingredient guides and a supplier directory for food manufacturers.
Last checked October 31, 2026Regulation
What the FDA Food Dye Phase-Out Means for Small Food Brands
Which dye deadlines are binding, what natural colors cost, and a five-step reformulation plan for small and mid-size food brands.
Last checked October 31, 2026Regulation
End of 2026 or End of 2027? Why the Food Dye Phase-Out Date Changed
HHS and FDA announced an end-of-2026 target in April 2025. FDA's tracker now says end of 2027. Neither is a legal deadline; Red No. 3 and state laws are.
Last checked October 31, 2026Questions
There is no binding federal deadline. FDA's voluntary phase-out targets the end of 2027 for Red 40 and five other certified dyes, and some state laws set earlier, binding dates.
Read the full answerNo. Red 40 is still an authorized color additive in the U.S. FDA is pursuing a voluntary phase-out with a target of the end of 2027, not a ban.
Read the full answerJanuary 15, 2027 for food and dietary supplements, and January 18, 2028 for ingested drugs. California's AB 418 bans Red 3 in food sold there from January 1, 2027.
Read the full answerFDA revoked the listing for Orange B, effective September 8, 2026. Citrus Red No. 2 has been proposed for revocation and is still listed.
Read the full answerNo. Yellow 5 is not federally banned. It is in FDA's voluntary phase-out, targeted for the end of 2027. West Virginia bans it in food sold there from January 1, 2028.
Read the full answerOTHER Natural Flavors (OTHER for short) is an independent matchmaking service from Xponent21 Inc, an innovation agency in Richmond, Virginia. We run a reformulation audit, write a sourcing brief and introduce small and mid-size food brands to independent natural color and flavor suppliers.
Read the full answerNo. The audit and your sourcing brief are free.
Read the full answerSuppliers see your product details. Your company name and contact details stay private until you approve an introduction.
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