TTB sets January 2027 deadline to drop Red No. 3 from alcohol formulas

Vinetur reports that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau notified alcohol beverage producers and importers on November 6 that they must eliminate FD&C Red No. 3 from their products by January 15, 2027. The mandate aligns with a broader push by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services to phase out synthetic petroleum-based dyes across the food supply.

The directive affects winemakers, brewers, distillers and importers crafting colored offerings such as specialty spirits and flavored malt beverages. According to TTB, producers must secure an approved revised formula complying with federal standards before the January 2027 deadline. Color additives cannot be utilized simply because they exist commercially; they must hold FDA approval either for broad food applications or specifically for coloring alcohol drinks. While the FDA has authorized some natural replacement colors, TTB noted that companies must ensure any substitute is legally authorized for their beverage category.

In the same update, TTB addressed wine importers regarding Italy's rollout of updated state seals on DOC and DOCG wines featuring the Italian tricolor and a QR code. TTB confirmed that bottles carrying the redesigned seals do not need new Certificate of Label Approval filings and can enter the market under existing approvals alongside older stocks.

Originally reported by [Vinetur](https://www.vinetur.com/en/20261106110544/alcohol-producers-must-remove-red-no-3-from-drinks-by-jan-15-2027.html). DISTRYB summarises the facts; read the full story there.