As Coloring

Food coloring refers to any substance added to food or drink to change its color. These substances can come from natural sources like plants or minerals, or they can be synthetic, meaning they are man-made.

Manufacturers add food coloring to enhance the visual appeal of food products, making them look more attractive or to match consumer expectations for certain flavors. They are used in a wide variety of foods, including confectionery, beverages, baked goods, and processed snacks.

In the United States, all food color additives must be approved by the FDA before they can be used in food. Some color additives are synthetic and require certification by the FDA for each batch, while others are derived from natural sources and are exempt from this certification process. The safety of individual food color additives has been evaluated by regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA. There have been ongoing discussions regarding the potential link between certain synthetic food colorings and hyperactivity in some children, with evidence being mixed. The FDA revoked Red 3 for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. In April 2025, the FDA also 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.