Artificial Flavor And Artificial Colors

Artificial flavors are chemical mixtures created to mimic natural flavors but are not derived from natural sources. Artificial colors are synthetic dyes used to add or restore color to foods and are produced in laboratories.

Manufacturers add artificial flavors to provide consistent and often cost-effective taste profiles, such as fruit, vanilla, or chocolate. Artificial colors are used to enhance the visual appeal of foods, replace color lost during processing, or help identify flavors, commonly found in candies, baked goods, snacks, and beverages.

Artificial flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or approved food additives by the FDA. Artificial colors are also approved food additives by the FDA. The FDA revoked 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 explored a possible link between certain artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies continue to review these findings. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated many individual artificial flavors and colors and set acceptable daily intakes for many, and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated many artificial colors.