Certified Color

Certified Colors are synthetic color additives that are manufactured chemically. In the United States, these colors must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and each batch must be certified by the FDA to ensure purity and consistency before it can be used in food.

Manufacturers add certified colors to foods primarily to enhance their visual appeal, making them look more attractive or to provide a consistent color. They are commonly found in a wide range of processed foods, including candies, baked goods, beverages, and frozen desserts.

Certified colors are approved by the FDA for use in food, and their safety is regularly reviewed. While the FDA has concluded that current scientific evidence does not show a causal link between certified colors and hyperactivity in the general population, some studies have suggested a link in certain sensitive children. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which include many certified colors such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B.