Virginia
Use this page to understand food-additive laws tracked in Virginia: what is restricted, what may still be available with warnings, when future rules take effect, and where each rule applies.
What changes next?
Key restrictions take effect on
Jul 1, 2027
Artificial Food Coloring (Synthetic Food Dyes)
Statute explicitly lists each dye and CAS number (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6).
Erythrosine (Red 3; FD&C Red No. 3)
§22.1-207.4:3 (effective July 1, 2027) prohibits school foods containing FD&C Red No. 3 (CAS 16423-68-0) among other colors.
Can I buy or consume this now?
Most tracked restrictions here are enacted but not fully in force yet.
Some warning, disclosure, or future compliance requirements may apply.
How to read this page
Ban / restriction
means the product may be limited or unavailable after the effective date.
Warning active
means products may still be available but require disclosure.
Future date
means the law exists but the main compliance date has not arrived.
At a glance
What changes next?
Jul 1, 2027 is the next tracked change. Artificial Food Coloring (Synthetic Food Dyes) is tied to school snack and a la carte restriction.
Where does it apply?
The tracked rules here touch school snacks and a la carte items.
Can I buy or consume this now?
Most tracked restrictions here are enacted but not fully in force yet.
Current actions
2
Tracked additives
2
Next key date
Jul 1, 2027
Current actions
| Item / category | Status | Applies to | Effective date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Food Coloring (Synthetic Food Dyes) | School snack and a la carte restrictionEnacted, future date | School snacks and a la carte items | Jul 1, 2027 | Statute explicitly lists each dye and CAS number (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6). Source: § 22.1-207.4:3 Nutritional standards for school meals and other foods; certain color additives prohibited |
| Erythrosine (Red 3; FD&C Red No. 3) | School snack and a la carte restrictionEnacted, future date | School snacks and a la carte items | Jul 1, 2027 | §22.1-207.4:3 (effective July 1, 2027) prohibits school foods containing FD&C Red No. 3 (CAS 16423-68-0) among other colors. Source: Code of Virginia § 22.1-207.4:3 (Effective July 1, 2027) Nutritional standards; certain color additives prohibited |
Artificial Food Coloring (Synthetic Food Dyes)
- Applies to
- School snacks and a la carte items
- Effective date
- Jul 1, 2027
- Summary
- Statute explicitly lists each dye and CAS number (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6).
Erythrosine (Red 3; FD&C Red No. 3)
- Applies to
- School snacks and a la carte items
- Effective date
- Jul 1, 2027
- Summary
- §22.1-207.4:3 (effective July 1, 2027) prohibits school foods containing FD&C Red No. 3 (CAS 16423-68-0) among other colors.
Affected additives and categories
Ingredients, additives, or food categories connected to this state’s tracked laws.
Legislation timeline
Key dates, plainly explained so you can plan with confidence.
Upcoming deadlines
Virginia school foods compliance date
Upcoming deadlineErythrosine (Red 3; FD&C Red No. 3) · Virginia
Signed or enacted
Virginia establishes school-meals prohibition list including FD&C Red No. 3 (effective 2027-07-01)
Signed or enactedErythrosine (Red 3; FD&C Red No. 3) · Virginia
Sources
Primary laws and official guidance that inform these updates.