Red No. 3 Updates: What Customers Need to Know About Our Mahogany Collagen Casings
As food regulations continue to evolve, we're committed to keeping our customers informed about upcoming changes that will affect our products.
One recent regulatory update involves FD&C Red No. 3, a food coloring that has been used in certain food products and food-contact materials for many years. As part of ongoing regulatory changes, we are working closely with our manufacturing partners to update the formulations of our Mahogany Collagen Casings to remove Red No. 3 where applicable.
Here's what this means for you.
What Is Red No. 3?
FD&C Red No. 3 (also known as Erythrosine) is a synthetic food coloring that has historically been used to provide a red or mahogany appearance in a variety of food products and food-contact materials.
For artificial sausage casings, the coloring helps create the traditional mahogany appearance many processors prefer for products such as:
- Summer sausage
- Smoked sausage
- Semi-dry sausage
- Specialty cured products
Importantly, the coloring is used for appearance and does not affect the performance of the casing.
Why Is Red No. 3 Being Removed?
As part of this industry-wide transition, manufacturers are updating formulations to comply with the new requirements by January 15, 2027, while maintaining the same product performance customers expect.
Which Oversea Casing Products Are Affected?
At this time, the products impacted include our:
Our suppliers are actively reformulating these products to remove Red No. 3 while maintaining the quality and consistency our customers rely on.
What Changes Should Customers Expect?
The good news is that customers should expect little to no change in how these casings perform.
The updates are focused on ingredient compliance rather than functionality.
Customers can continue to expect:
- Reliable stuffing performance
- Consistent sizing
- Excellent smoke permeability (where applicable)
- Strong processing performance
- High-quality finished sausage appearance
Depending on the updated formulation, there may be slight differences in the shade of the mahogany color, but product functionality is expected to remain consistent.
Updating Product Information
As our suppliers finalize the new formulations, we will be updating product documentation to reflect the changes.
This includes:
- Ingredient statements
- Product specifications
- Technical data sheets
- Product labels (where applicable)
- Regulatory documentation
Our goal is to provide accurate and up-to-date information as revised documentation becomes available.
Working Closely With Our Suppliers
At Oversea Casing Company, we work closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure all products continue to meet applicable regulatory requirements while maintaining the quality our customers expect.
These updates are being implemented carefully to provide a smooth transition with minimal disruption to our customers.
As revised products become available, we'll continue updating our website and product information, so customers have access to the latest specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the casings perform differently?
No significant performance changes are expected. The reformulation is focused on ingredient compliance rather than casing functionality.
Will the color look exactly the same?
The overall mahogany appearance will remain similar, although slight variations in shade may occur as new coloring systems are implemented.
Do I need to change my processing methods?
Current expectations are that no processing changes should be required. We recommend reviewing updated product specifications as they become available.
Will product numbers change?
If product numbers or specifications change as part of the transition, we will communicate those updates and revise our product information accordingly.
Where can I find the latest information?
Our website will continue to be updated with the latest product specifications and ingredient information as we receive revised materials from our suppliers.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Regulatory changes are a normal part of the food industry, and we're committed to helping our customers navigate them with confidence.
By working closely with our suppliers, updating product documentation, and communicating changes as they occur, we aim to make this transition as seamless as possible.
If you have questions about our Mahogany Collagen Casings or any other artificial casing products, our team is here to help.
Sources
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FD&C Red No. 3.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs. January 15, 2025.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA Encourages Food Manufacturers to Accelerate Phasing Out the Use of FD&C Red No. 3 in Foods Before 2027 Deadline.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. HHS, FDA to Phase Out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation's Food Supply.
