Artifical Color

Artificial colors are synthetic substances, typically derived from petroleum, that are added to food to give it a specific color. They are created through chemical processes in laboratories.

Manufacturers add artificial colors to foods to enhance their visual appeal, make them more attractive, or to provide a consistent color that might otherwise vary. They are commonly found in candies, beverages, baked goods, snacks, and processed foods.

In the US, artificial colors are regulated by the FDA, which approves specific synthetic dyes for use in food. The FDA revoked the approval for Red 3 for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all regulatory bodies agree on the significance of these findings. JECFA has evaluated many individual artificial colors and set acceptable daily intakes for them.