California’s Ingredient and Packaging Crackdown: What Food Brands Need to Know

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Nov 4
2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

If you’re a food brand selling in California — or anywhere in the U.S., really — it’s time to pay close attention. California is once again leading the charge on food safety and environmental responsibility, and the ripple effects are already being felt nationwide.

Red Dye No. 3: The End of an Era

Red Dye No. 3 (also known as erythrosine) has been under scrutiny for decades. Linked to cancer in lab animals and behavioral issues in children, it’s already banned in cosmetics. Now, California is banning it from food and medicine — and the FDA is following suit.

FDA Ban Effective: January 2025
California Enforcement Begins: January 2027
Reformulation Deadlines:
- Food: January 15, 2027
- Drugs: January 18, 2028

This means thousands of products — from candies and baked goods to supplements and strawberry-flavored drinks — will need to be reformulated or pulled from shelves.

PFAS in Packaging: A Patchwork of Rules

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are used in grease-resistant packaging. They’ve been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health risks. California passed legislation to ban PFAS in food packaging by 2028, but Governor Newsom recently vetoed a broader bill that would have phased out PFAS in cookware and other products by 2030.

Still, the message is clear: PFAS-free packaging is the future. And with other states like New York and Colorado already implementing bans, brands should start transitioning now.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): You Break It, You Bought It

California’s SB 54 law requires packaging producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products — from design to disposal. Starting in 2027, producers must:

Register with the state
Submit detailed packaging data
Pay fees to fund recycling infrastructure
Ensure packaging is recyclable or compostable by 2032

This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about rethinking packaging design and supply chains.

Governor Newsom’s Executive Order: A Bigger Push for Clean Food

In January 2025, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to crack down on ultra-processed foods and synthetic dyes. The order encourages Medi-Cal and hospitals to invest in fresh food access and calls for higher school nutrition standards.

This aligns with California’s broader food safety agenda — and signals more reform is coming.

What Food Brands Should Do Now

Audit Your Ingredient Lists
Identify products with Red Dye No. 3, PFAS, or other flagged additives.
Reformulate with Natural Alternatives
Consider beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, or other plant-based colorants.
Rethink Packaging
Move toward compostable, recyclable, and PFAS-free materials.
Stay Ahead of State Legislation
Track bills in Illinois, New York, and other states following California’s lead.

Final Thoughts

California’s actions aren’t just local — they’re setting the tone for national reform. Brands that act now will be better positioned to meet consumer expectations, avoid regulatory headaches, and lead in the clean-label movement.