The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to remove petroleum-based food colors from the nation’s food supply.  The FDA announced the phase out of synthetic dyes on April 22, 2025 with the end of 2026 as the targeted deadline for removal. The phase out of synthetic colors relies on voluntary compliance from manufacturers.

The FDA is prioritizing Citrus Red No. 2, Orange B, and Red No. 2 as the first synthetic food colors to be eliminated. Other identified colors include FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No 6, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Blue No. 2.

To ease the transition the FDA approved six new naturally derived food color options, with potentially more to follow.

Companies can claim “no artificial colors” when products do not contain petroleum-based food colors. Previously the claim could only be used on products with no added color regardless of its source.

You can find regulations about color additives in Title 21 of the CFR, parts 70-82. Please let us know if you need to update any of your food products due to the removal of petroleum-based food dyes.