FDA eases food color labeling rules

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new regulatory steps aimed at accelerating the food industry’s transition away from synthetic food colors.

Under the updated approach, manufacturers will be allowed to voluntarily label products as containing “no artificial colors” when those products do not use petroleum-based dyes. Previously, such claims were generally limited to products with no added color of any kind, including colors derived from natural sources. The agency said it will exercise enforcement discretion for these labeling claims and has formally notified industry through a written letter.

In addition to the labeling change, the FDA approved beetroot red as a new color additive and expanded the approved uses of spirulina extract as an alternative to synthetic blue dye. Both actions were initiated through industry petitions and are intended to provide manufacturers with additional alternatives to synthetic colors. The FDA said these approvals bring the total number of new food color options authorized under the current administration to six.

According to the FDA, the actions are part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on petroleum-based synthetic colors in the U.S. food supply. In April 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA announced measures to work with manufacturers on phasing out these colors, and the agency continues to track industry commitments publicly.

FDA officials said the updated labeling approach is designed to reduce confusion for consumers and remove barriers for companies exploring alternative color sources. While encouraging the transition, the FDA emphasized that manufacturers remain responsible for ensuring the safety, purity, and regulatory compliance of all color additives used in food products.