FDA revises “no artificial colors” labeling policy to support shift away from synthetic dyes

On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a shift in its regulatory stance toward food labeling claims related to artificial colors, marking an important step in the broader effort to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.¹

The shift continues efforts that were initiated in April 2025 with the announcement that petroleum-based synthetic dyes would be phased out from the country’s food supply through a series of measures.² These earlier efforts were part of a larger campaign to improve food quality and public health, reflecting growing concern about artificial food dyes and their potential links to health issues.

“This is real progress,” stated Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in the announcement. “We are making it easier for companies to move away from petroleum-based synthetic colors and adopt safer, naturally derived alternatives. This momentum advances our broader effort to help Americans eat real food and Make America Healthy Again.”

Updated label claims for “no artificial colors”

Under the updated policy, companies will now be permitted to use the claim “no artificial colors” on product labels if those products do not contain petroleum-based color additives, even if other naturally derived colors are present. Previously, these claims were generally allowed only when a product contained no added color at all, regardless of its source. This change is intended to remove a regulatory barrier that may have discouraged food manufacturers from using alternative, naturally derived colorants.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., noted that the clarification will reduce consumer confusion and encourage safer alternatives. “We acknowledge that calling colors derived from natural sources ‘artificial’ might be confusing for consumers and a hindrance for companies to explore alternative food coloring options,” stated Commissioner Makary. “We’re taking away that hindrance and making it easier for companies to use these colors in the foods our families eat every day.”

The FDA has also provided a summary tracking the progress on industry commitments to removing petroleum-based food dyes.³

Two new approved natural color additives

The agency also granted two petitions, approving beetroot red as a new natural color additive and expanded the authorized uses of the existing additive spirulina extract, further broadening the palette of naturally sourced coloring options for food producers. With these actions, the total number of new natural color additives authorized under the current administration has reached six. Previously, gardenia (genipin) blue was approved in July 2025 as the fourth color additive from a naturally derived source, while Galdieria extract blue, Butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate had been approved in May 2025.^4,5

Letters to industry and to manufacturers

The FDA’s move stems from a February 5 letter, signed by Commissioner Makary and Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Kyle Diamantas J.D., to the industry, outlining the agency’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion for these voluntary labeling claims.⁶

“We are working diligently to facilitate industry’s phase out of petroleum-based colors and speed up authorizations for colors that are derived from alternative sources,” said Deputy Commissioner Diamantas. “The actions announced today give companies even more ways to transition to the use of alternative colors derived from natural sources.”

Additionally, while the FDA continues to encourage voluntary industry transition, it also emphasizes manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure the safety and purity of color additives used in foods. A February 5 letter to color additive manufacturers outlined the measures, including limiting impurities, and directed manufacturers to United States Pharmacopeia’s “Food Chemicals Codex (FCC)- Appendix XXI: Guidelines for the Control of Contaminants in Food Colors from Natural Sources” as one resource for additional guidance.⁷

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Takes New Approach to "No Artificial Colors" Claims. February 5, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-new-approach-no-artificial-colors-claims (Accessed 2026-02-05).
2. McEvoy, E. FDA and HHS announce plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. April 23, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/fda-and-hhs-announce-plans-to-phase-out-petroleum-based-synthetic-food-dyes (Accessed 2026-02-05).
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum Based Food Dyes. https://www.fda.gov/food/color-additives-information-consumers/tracking-food-industry-pledges-remove-petroleum-based-food-dyes (Accessed 2026-02-05).
4. Krawiec, S. FDA approves color additive petition for gardenia (genipin) blue. July 15, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/fda-approves-color-additive-petition-for-gardenia-genipin-blue (Accessed 2026-02-05).
5. Krawiec, S. FDA grants petitions for three color additives derived from natural sources. May 9, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/fda-grants-petitions-for-three-color-additives-derived-from-natural-sources (Accessed 2026-02-05).
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letter to the Food Industry on “No Artificial Colors” Labeling Claims. February 5, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-chemical-safety/letter-food-industry-no-artificial-colors-labeling-claims (Accessed 2026-02-05).
7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Reminds Manufacturers of Color Additives Exempt from Certification to Comply with Identity and Purity Requirements. February 5, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-chemical-safety/fda-reminds-manufacturers-color-additives-exempt-certification-comply-identity-and-purity (Accessed 2026-02-05).