On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled a revised approach to how food manufacturers can use the label claim “no artificial colors” on packaged foods. Under the updated policy, FDA will not take enforcement action when companies make “no artificial colors” claims on products that contain naturally derived color additives, as long as the products do not contain petroleum-based synthetic dyes. In the past, the FDA generally allowed such claims only if a product contained no added color at all — meaning even plant-derived colors prevented the use of the claim. This shift reflects the agency’s intent to encourage a transition away from petroleum-based synthetic colorants toward alternatives sourced from nature.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a color additive is any dye, pigment, or substance capable of imparting color to food. FDA regulations divide color additives into two broad categories:
- Certified color additives, such as FD&C Red No. 40 or Yellow No. 5; and
- Color additives exempt from certification, including many colors derived from plant, mineral, or animal sources (e.g., beet juice, turmeric, and annatto).
FDA regulations define “artificial color” as “any ‘color additive,” including color additives exempt from certification. Because of this, historically, “no artificial color” claims would be impermissible on foods that contain any added color – including colors from natural sources.
As such, FDA’s recent announcement of enforcement discretion provides greater opportunity for companies to make “no artificial color” claims when colors from natural sources are used. Given the agency’s increased focus on shifting away from petroleum-based colors (certified color additives), allowing additional claims when only natural-source colors are used may encourage food companies to begin replacing certified colors. As with all FDA updates, we are able to assist with any questions you may have regarding the impact of this announcement on your products and marketing.