Certified Food Color

Certified Food Colors are synthetic dyes, typically derived from petroleum, that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. They are manufactured to be chemically pure and consistent in color.

Manufacturers add certified food colors to enhance the visual appeal of food, restore color lost during processing or storage, and provide a consistent appearance. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and processed snacks.

Certified food colors are approved by the FDA as food additives. There has been ongoing debate and research regarding a potential link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity in some children; however, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive for the general population. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated individual certified colors and set acceptable daily intakes for many of them. 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.