The use of color additives in food is a practice that dates back centuries, but the modern regulatory framework is far more recent. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the sole authority responsible for ensuring the safety of all color additives, requiring pre-market approval and strict usage guidelines. Without this oversight, some manufacturers in the early 1900s used potentially toxic substances to color food, prompting federal regulation. Today, the landscape is shifting again, with a push towards phasing out synthetic dyes in favor of more natural alternatives, a move that began gaining momentum in 2025.
FDA Regulation of Color Additives
The FDA classifies color additives into two main groups, each with its own set of rules and requirements for approval and use. Understanding this distinction is key to comprehending the American food coloring system.
Certified Color Additives
Certified colors are synthetic, petroleum-based dyes and pigments. They are required to undergo batch certification by the FDA each time a new batch is manufactured. This stringent process ensures that each batch meets strict specifications for purity and composition before it can be used in products. Certified dyes are popular for their stability, low cost, and bright, uniform coloring. However, some have been the subject of debate over potential health effects, which has fueled the recent regulatory changes.
Exempt from Certification Color Additives
Exempt from certification colors are derived from natural sources, such as vegetables, minerals, or insects. While they do not require batch certification, they must still be approved by the FDA and meet their regulatory requirements. These natural alternatives, like beet juice or carmine, are often less vibrant and less stable than their synthetic counterparts but are gaining popularity with consumers seeking more 'natural' products.
Currently Allowed Food Dyes in the US
As of late 2025, the list of allowed dyes in the US is undergoing significant updates, primarily affecting certified color additives. Here is a look at the current status:
Certified Dyes and Recent Changes
Following a major initiative announced in 2025, the FDA is phasing out most petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply.
- FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF): A widely used water-soluble blue dye found in beverages, cereals, and confections. The FDA announced its phase-out on April 22, 2025, with industry working toward natural alternatives.
- FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine): Used in baked goods, ice cream, and snack foods. Also slated for phase-out as part of the 2025 initiative.
- FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF): Approved for use in cereals, ice cream, and beverages. Included in the list of dyes being phased out.
- FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine): This dye was officially banned for use in foods and ingested drugs, effective January 2027, following a ban announced in January 2025. The FDA has requested companies accelerate its removal.
- FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC): One of the most common dyes, used in cereals, gelatins, and beverages. Slated for phase-out under the 2025 initiative.
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine): Found in confections, cereals, and snack foods. Another dye on the 2025 phase-out list.
- FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF): Used in cereals, baked goods, and beverages. Also being phased out.
- Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2: These specific-use dyes (for sausage casings and orange peels, respectively) are also targeted for removal, with Orange B already proposed for revocation.
Exempt (Natural) Dyes and Recent Approvals
The FDA has simultaneously approved several new, naturally derived color additives to give manufacturers more options during the transition away from synthetic dyes.
- Annatto Extract: A yellowish-orange color derived from the seeds of the achiote tree.
- Beet Juice: A reddish-blue to brown color made from dehydrated beets.
- Beta-Carotene: Provides a yellow to orange color and is found in carrots and other vegetables.
- Carmine and Cochineal Extract: A bright red dye derived from cochineal insects. Due to potential allergic reactions, it must be listed by name.
- Galdieria Extract Blue: A new blue color approved in May 2025, derived from a microalgae, for use in beverages, candy, and cereals.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Extract: An existing blue dye whose use was expanded in May 2025 to include cereals, crackers, and chips.
- Calcium Phosphate: Approved in May 2025 as a white color for items like doughnut sugar and candy melts.
- Grape Skin Extract and Spirulina Extract: Other examples of naturally sourced colorings.
Comparison of Certified vs. Exempt Food Dyes
| Feature | Certified Dyes | Exempt from Certification Dyes |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Petroleum-based chemicals. | Natural sources (plants, minerals, insects). |
| FDA Regulation | Strict regulation, requires batch-by-batch certification. | Still requires FDA approval, but not batch certification. |
| Color Intensity | Generally offers intense, uniform, and stable colors. | Can be less intense and more prone to fading over time. |
| Cost | Typically more cost-effective for manufacturers to produce. | Can be more expensive, which may increase product costs. |
| Labeling | Must be declared by their name (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40 or Red 40). | Can be declared as “artificial coloring” or by their common name (like beet juice), with exceptions like carmine. |
| Current Status | Phasing out many petroleum-based options in favor of natural alternatives as of 2025. | New, naturally sourced options are being approved by the FDA. |
Labeling and Consumer Choice
For consumers, understanding how food dyes are identified on product labels is crucial. Certified colors, like FD&C Yellow No. 5, must be listed individually by their name or abbreviated name. This provides transparency for individuals with sensitivities or allergies, such as those sensitive to Yellow No. 5. Exempt colors, however, may sometimes be listed generically as “artificial color added,” though specific natural dyes like cochineal extract/carmine must be declared by their name. With the ongoing transition, label reading will become even more important for tracking which dyes are being replaced.
The Evolving Landscape of Food Coloring
The FDA’s actions in 2025 mark a significant pivot in the American food industry, prioritizing the phase-out of decades-old synthetic dyes linked to health concerns in favor of naturally derived alternatives. This shift is not merely a reaction to consumer preferences but a response to evolving scientific understanding and public health goals. As manufacturers reformulate products, the market will likely see more vibrant, natural options alongside the remaining certified dyes. For consumers prioritizing a diet low in synthetic additives, staying informed about these regulatory changes and carefully reading food labels is the best way to navigate the evolving market. The FDA continues to monitor and evaluate all color additives, reinforcing that safety is paramount in the approval process.
For more detailed information on FDA regulations for food additives, visit the official FDA website.
Conclusion
The question of what food dyes are allowed in the United States has become more complex and dynamic. The FDA maintains a strict regulatory system that dictates the use of both synthetic certified dyes and naturally derived exempt colors. Significant changes announced in 2025 are phasing out several petroleum-based dyes while simultaneously approving natural alternatives, signaling a major shift in the food coloring industry. Consumers must continue to rely on food labels and stay informed to align their dietary choices with their health and wellness goals as this transition progresses.
