Colors Added

Colors Added is a general term for substances used to give or restore color to food products. These can be natural, coming from sources like plants, minerals, or insects, or synthetic, which are typically made from petroleum. They are produced through various methods, including extraction from natural sources or chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add colors to food for several reasons, such as making products more visually appealing, helping consumers identify flavors, or replacing color lost during processing. They are commonly found in a wide variety of foods, including candies, beverages, baked goods, and processed meals.

In the US, food colors are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some synthetic colors, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, are "certified," meaning each batch must be tested by the FDA. Other colors, often natural ones, are "exempt from certification." 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. There has been mixed evidence regarding a possible link between some synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in children, with some studies suggesting a connection while others do not. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual food colors and set acceptable daily intakes for them.