Reminder: Color Additives in Alcohol Beverage Products
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working with industry to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply. As a reminder, FD&C Red No. 3 will no longer be permitted in foods, including alcohol beverages. Industry members have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products. On July 14, 2025, FDA issued a letter encouraging food manufacturers to accelerate phasing out the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods before the 2027 deadline.
In support of this transition, FDA has approved new color additives derived from natural sources. See FDA Color Additives for details.
Can I use any approved color additive in my alcohol beverage?
Color additives must be approved by FDA before use. While some approved color additives may be used broadly in foods (including alcohol beverages), others are authorized only for specific products. A color additive may be used in alcohol beverages only if:
- It is approved for use in food generally, or
- Its regulation specifically lists coloring of alcoholic beverages as an intended use.
Questions?
We encourage you to seek out the resources on FDA’s website regarding color additive petitions and to contact FDA (premarkt@fda.hhs.gov) with questions about the color additive approval process and how you may ensure your products can take advantage of color additives derived from natural sources as they become available.
If you have a question about the classification of your alcohol beverage product, or an allowed use of a certain color additive, please contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) through our ALFD Contact Form. If you need nonbeverage product assistance, contact the Nonbeverage Alcohol and Tobacco Branch using our Scientific Services Division Contact Form.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Customs User Fees Adjusted for Inflation in Fiscal Year 2027
 TTB-regulated importers may find this notice of interest.
SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 146 / Friday, July 31, 2026
AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security
ACTION: General notice
SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2027 in accordance with the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) as implemented by the CBP regulations.
DATES: The adjusted amounts of customs COBRA user fees and their corresponding limitations set forth in this notice for Fiscal Year 2027 are required as of October 1, 2026.
Agriculture Marketing Service: Tobacco Report - Notice of Request for Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection
 TTB-regulated tobacco industry members may find this notice of interest.
SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 147 / Monday, August 3, 2026
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
ACTION: Notice and request for comments
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, ‘‘Tobacco Report’’ (OMB No. 0581– 0004).
DATES: Comments received by October 2, 2026 will be considered.
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