FDA clarifies 'no artificial color' label on food packages

The FDA updated guidance to clarify 'no artificial color' labels, exempting dyes from natural sources while excluding synthetic, petroleum-based dyes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced immediate changes to guidance for "no artificial color" labels on food packaging. The update will allow foods colored with natural sources, such as beet or watermelon juice, to carry the label. The guidance excludes products that use synthetic, petroleum-based dyes. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discussed the change in an interview on "Good Morning America." Key details: - The FDA announced immediate guidance changes that exempt foods colored with natural sources (for example, beets or watermelon juice) from being labeled as containing artificial colors. - The guidance will not allow the "no artificial color" label for products made with synthetic, petroleum-based dyes. - Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the change aims to give consumers more clarity about what the label means. - The article mentions this change is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to discourage purchases of artificially colored foods. - The article mentions companies such as Walmart, General Mills and Hershey have pledged reductions in artificial dyes in some products by the end of next year. - The piece notes that research on natural dye safety is limited, while some studies have linked certain artificial dyes (for example, Red 40) to child hyperactivity and to colonic inflammation. Summary: The FDA's labeling update seeks to make "no artificial color" claims clearer by distinguishing natural from synthetic sources. How the change will affect product formulations, consumer purchases or health outcomes is undetermined at this time.