Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new steps aimed at accelerating the food industry’s shift away from petroleum-based synthetic colors, including changes to labeling guidance and the approval of additional naturally derived color options.
Under the updated policy, food manufacturers may now claim their products contain “no artificial colors” if they do not include petroleum-based synthetic dyes. Previously, companies were generally permitted to make that claim only if their products contained no added colors at all, including those derived from natural sources.
The agency issued a letter to industry stating it intends to exercise enforcement discretion regarding these voluntary labeling claims, giving companies more flexibility as they reformulate products.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the move “real progress,” saying it would make it easier for companies to adopt naturally derived alternatives. “We are making it easier for companies to move away from petroleum-based synthetic colors and adopt safer, naturally derived alternatives,” Kennedy said, adding that the effort aligns with the administration’s broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
In addition to the labeling change, the FDA approved beetroot red as a new color additive option and authorized expanded use of spirulina extract, a naturally derived color additive already on the market. Both approvals stemmed from submitted petitions and are intended to provide manufacturers with more alternatives to petroleum-based dyes.
The agency said the new approvals bring the total number of new food color options approved under the current administration to six.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said the previous labeling framework may have caused confusion. “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,” Makary said. “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 actions build on measures announced in April 2025, when HHS and the FDA outlined plans to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic colors from the nation’s food supply. The FDA is publicly tracking industry pledges to remove petroleum-based food dyes.
At the same time, the agency reminded manufacturers that they remain responsible for ensuring the safety and purity of color additives. The letter to industry highlights available resources to help companies maintain compliance as they transition to alternative color sources.
FDA officials said they will continue reviewing petitions and expediting authorizations for color additives derived from non-petroleum sources as part of the broader transition effort.
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