Artificial Color And Flavor

Artificial Color And Flavor is a general term for synthetic substances added to food to change its appearance and taste. Artificial colors are made in laboratories to provide specific hues, while artificial flavors are created to mimic or enhance natural flavors. These ingredients are not derived directly from natural sources.

Manufacturers add artificial colors to make foods more visually appealing or to restore color lost during processing. Artificial flavors are used to give foods a specific taste, such as fruit, meat, or spice flavors, or to make existing flavors stronger. They are commonly found in snacks, canned soups, popcorn, and flavored nuts.

In the US, artificial colors require FDA approval for use in food, while many artificial flavors are either approved or considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Individual artificial colors and flavors have been evaluated by international bodies like JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have explored a potential link between certain artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, but the scientific evidence on this topic is mixed. 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.