Certified Colors

Certified colors are synthetic color additives that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. These colors are typically manufactured from petroleum-based raw materials through chemical synthesis. The term "certified" means that each batch of the color additive has been tested by the FDA to ensure it meets strict specifications for purity and composition.

Manufacturers add certified colors to foods to enhance their visual appeal, identify flavors, or restore color lost during processing and storage. They are widely used in a variety of processed foods, including candies, chocolates, baked goods, snack cakes, beverages, and cereals.

In the U.S., certified colors are approved by the FDA as food additives, and each batch must undergo certification before use. Some scientific studies have explored a potential link between the consumption of certain synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence has been mixed and more research is ongoing. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual synthetic dyes, with EFSA concluding that some dyes may pose concerns. As of 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. Additionally, the FDA revoked the use of Red 3 for food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply.