Natural And Artificial Flavor And Artificial Color

Natural and artificial flavors are substances added to food to provide or enhance taste and aroma. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources like spices, fruits, vegetables, or meat. Artificial flavors are created in a laboratory to mimic natural flavors or create new ones. Artificial colors are synthetic substances, often petroleum-based, used to add or restore color to foods.

These ingredients are added to food products to improve their sensory appeal. Flavors enhance the taste and smell, making food more enjoyable or consistent. Colors are used to make food visually appealing, mask natural color variations, or identify flavors (e.g., red for strawberry). They are commonly found in beverages, candies, baked goods, and dairy products.

In the US, flavors are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or are approved food additives by the FDA. Artificial colors are approved food additives, subject to certification by the FDA. The FDA revoked the use of Red 3 for food in January 2025, with a compliance date of January 2027. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out other petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, which are often components of 'Artificial Color.' While some studies have suggested a link between artificial colors and hyperactivity in children, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have concluded that for most of the population, these colors are safe at approved levels, though EFSA has noted that some individuals may be more sensitive. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual artificial colors and flavors.