FDA Policy Update: "No Artificial Colors" Claims

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised its regulations concerning claims of "no artificial colors" on food product labels. This significant change aims to encourage the use of naturally derived dyes over synthetic ones in food products.

Revised Labeling Criteria

Previously, food companies could only use a "no artificial colors" claim if their products contained absolutely no added color whatsoever. Under the new guidelines, this claim is permissible for products free of petroleum-based dyes, even if they include dyes sourced from natural origins, such as plants.

Rationale and Impact

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated that this policy adjustment removes a barrier, making it easier for companies to incorporate natural colors into foods.

This initiative aligns with the Trump administration's broader goal to reduce synthetic dyes in the national food supply.

Several food manufacturers, including PepsiCo and Nestle, have already voluntarily phased out synthetic dyes. Some states have also implemented bans on artificial dyes in school meals. Consumer Brands, a trade association for packaged foods, welcomed the FDA's decision, emphasizing the need for scientific and risk-based evaluations of all natural ingredients.

Advocacy Group Concerns

Conversely, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), an advocacy organization, expressed concern that the updated labeling could potentially mislead consumers. CSPI highlighted that the change allows a "no artificial colors" claim for non-petroleum-based additives that may still carry potential health risks, such as titanium dioxide.

Additional FDA Actions

Concurrently with the labeling rule change, the FDA approved beetroot red as a new natural dye and expanded the authorized uses of spirulina extract, an algae-derived blue colorant. The agency currently permits approximately three dozen natural dyes.

Last year, the FDA banned Red No. 3 and has proposed prohibiting Orange B. Furthermore, the FDA announced a review of the six remaining petroleum-based dyes commonly used in the U.S. food supply: Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.

Health Perspectives on Food Dyes

Health advocates have consistently advocated for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing studies that suggest a link to neurobehavioral issues, including hyperactivity and attention deficits, in some children. These synthetic colors are also frequently found in ultraprocessed foods marketed to children, which can contribute to increased consumption of added sugar, fat, and sodium.

However, the FDA's website acknowledges that while some evidence suggests certain children may be sensitive to color additives, the majority of scientific evidence indicates most children do not experience adverse effects.