The FDA is changing how food manufacturers can make “no artificial colors” claims, allowing greater flexibility for products containing naturally derived color additives.
But some industry and advocacy observers warn the guidance is vague, particularly around the undefined category of “petroleum-based dyes,” leaving manufacturers uncertain about compliance and potential legal risk.
Under the new guidance, companies can use voluntary labeling statements on products that contain naturally derived colors as long as petroleum-based synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No.6, among others, are not present.
Previously, the agency prohibited ‘no artificial color’ claims on products with any added colors, even if they were naturally derived.
The agency also expanded approved natural color options to include a new red source and uses for spirulina, giving manufacturers natural options as they phase out synthetics.
What has changed
The agency sent a letter on Feb. 5 to manufacturers explaining that it will allow three voluntary labeling claims on foods that do not contain any certified FD&C synthetic colors:
- “Made without artificial food colors/colorings”
- “No artificial color/colors/coloring”
- “No added artificial color/colors/coloring”
The agency plans to administer discretionary enforcement, which allow these voluntary claims without penalty, provided the products don’t contain any petroleum-based synthetic colors.
Why the change
The change aligns with broader federal efforts to reduce petroleum-based synthetic colors in the US food supply.
According to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, the Trump administration’s goal is to “move away from petroleum-based synthetic colors and adopt safer, naturally derived alternatives” in an effort “to help Americans eat real food and Make America Healthy Again.”
FDA expands natural color options
The same day, FDA officially expanded the natural colors available to manufacturers.
The FDA officially listed beetroot red as a color additive exempt from certification, following a petition filed by Phytolon Ltd. in March 2024. The natural pigment is derived from the red-purple betalains in beets, which now can be used in foods broadly, as long as it’s added at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice (GMP) depending on the application.
The FDA also expanded the use of spirulina extract as another color additive exempt from certification, following a petition from GNT USA, LLC in July 2024. The natural blue pigment, derived from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis, can be used in a wide range of foods – from beverages and confections to yogurts and salad dressings – at levels consistent with application-dependent GMP.
Unlike certified synthetic dyes, beetroot red and spirulina extract don’t require batch certification, though manufacturers must still meet FDA standards for identity, purity and labeling.
In May 2025, the agency fast-tracked approvals for several naturally derived colors, including Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate.
The beetroot and spirulina approvals, which will be officially published in the Federal Register Feb. 6, bring the total number of approved natural colors to six.
Manufacturers ‘will likely need more clarity from FDA’
While the new rule provides more flexibility for labeling, companies still need to carefully evaluate their formulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal challenges, Sarah Sorscher, director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) wrote in a LinkedIn post.
“This statement warrants further clarification because ‘petroleum-based dyes’ is not an existing scientific or regulatory category,” she wrote.
She explained: “FDA divides color additives into ‘certified’ and ‘non-certified.’ While certified color additives have been the focus of most corporate commitments, non-certified additives such as titanium dioxide are also associated with health risks.
“Depending on how the policy is written, they may evade the ‘artificial color’ label along with less problematic natural dyes. Companies can be sued by their customers for false or misleading claims on food labels, so they will likely need more clarity from FDA – and perhaps a more permanent change in the law – before actually making these declarations.”
The update could create opportunities and responsibilities for product developers and brand managers. At the same time, manufacturers will need to ensure that all colors in their formulations are naturally derived and free from petroleum-based synthetics.
