Chemical Additives: Color Additives

Certifiable color additives are man-made, with each batch being tested by the manufacturer and the FDA. This process, known as color additive certification, assures the safety, quality, consistency, and strength of the additive. Nine color additives are certified for use in food in the United States. Color additives that are exempt from certification include pigments derived from natural sources, such as vegetables, minerals, or animals, and man-made counterparts of natural derivatives.

Certifiable color additives are available for use in food as either dyes or lakes. Dyes dissolve in water and are manufactured as powders, granules, liquids, or other special purpose forms. They can be used in beverages, dry mixes, baked goods, confections, dairy products, pet foods, and a variety of other products. Lakes are the water-insoluble form of the dye. Lakes are more stable than dyes and are ideal for coloring products containing fats and oils or items lacking sufficient moisture to dissolve dyes. Typical uses include coated tablets, cake and doughnut mixes, hard candies, and chewing gum. Certifiable colors include FD&C Blue No. 1 (Dye and Lake), FD&C Blue No. 2 (Dye and Lake), FD&C Green No. 3 (Dye and Lake), FD&C Red No. 3 (Dye), FD&C Red No. 40 (Dye and Lake), FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Dye and Lake), FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Dye and Lake), Orange B, and Citrus Red No. 2. Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2 are restricted to specific uses.