FDA Clarifies “No Artificial Colors” Labeling for Food Manufacturers
FDA Clarifies "No Artificial Colors" Labeling Rules
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued updated guidance that changes how food manufacturers can use the claim “no artificial colors” on product labels. The announcement marks a meaningful shift in FDA labeling policy and reflects broader efforts to reduce the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the U.S. food supply.
For years, FDA policy interpreted “no artificial colors” narrowly. Products could only use the claim if no color additives were present at all, including colors derived from natural sources. Under the updated approach, FDA is clarifying that the claim may be used as long as the product does not contain petroleum-based synthetic color additives, even if it includes colors from natural or biological sources.
This clarification aligns labeling language more closely with how consumers understand the term “artificial” and gives manufacturers additional flexibility when reformulating products.
What Changed in FDA's Labeling Guidance
Under the revised interpretation, food manufacturers may now label products as “no artificial colors” if all color additives used are derived from natural sources, such as plants, algae, or minerals. The key distinction is the exclusion of petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which FDA continues to classify as artificial colors.
This policy update does not change the regulatory status of color additives themselves. All color additives, whether synthetic or naturally derived, must still be FDA-approved for their intended use and comply with existing food safety and labeling requirements. What has changed is how FDA interprets voluntary labeling claims related to artificial colors.
Implications for Food Manufacturers and Product Development
For food manufacturers, especially those responding to consumer demand for clean labels and fewer synthetic ingredients, this update removes a long-standing source of confusion.
Key implications include:
- Expanded labeling options
Products formulated with natural color additives may now qualify for “no artificial colors” claims, provided petroleum-based dyes are not used.
- Clearer consumer communication
The updated guidance helps ensure labeling language better matches consumer expectations around artificial versus natural ingredients.
- Support for reformulation efforts
Companies investing in replacing synthetic food dyes with natural alternatives can more accurately reflect those changes on packaging.
Manufacturers should still ensure that ingredient statements clearly declare all color additives using their common or usual names, as required by FDA food labeling regulations.
FDA Approval of Additional Natural Color Additives
Alongside the labeling clarification, FDA announced approvals that expand the available toolbox for natural food coloring. These include approval of beetroot red as a food color additive and expanded approved uses for spirulina extract, a blue-green algae-derived color.
These approvals follow formal petitions and continue a trend toward increasing FDA-authorized natural color options. For manufacturers working to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic colors, these additions may help address formulation challenges related to shade, stability, and application.
Why FDA’s Update Matters for the Food Industry
FDA has acknowledged that consumers often interpret “artificial” differently than regulatory definitions have historically allowed. By refining its interpretation of “no artificial colors,” the agency is attempting to reduce confusion while maintaining oversight of food safety and labeling accuracy.
The update also signals continued regulatory support for reducing petroleum-based synthetic dyes in foods, without mandating reformulation. For manufacturers, this means voluntary claims can better reflect product changes already underway across many categories.
Resources
Letter to the Food Industry on “No Artificial Colors” Labeling Claims
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