WTAS: FDA Takes New Approach to "No Artificial Colors" Claims

On February 6, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took additional steps to support the transition of our nation’s food supply from the use of artificial petroleum-based colors to alternatives derived from natural sources. Companies will now have flexibility to claim products contain ‘no artificial colors’ when the products do not contain petroleum-based colors. In the past, companies were generally only able to make such claims when their products had no added color whatsoever — whether derived from natural sources or otherwise. The agency sent a letter to industry providing notice of the FDA’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion related to these voluntary labeling claims. This work builds on previous HHS and FDA actions to encourage companies to phase out the use of petroleum-based colors in their food products.

Headlines
Advocates & Organizations
Medical Professionals
Media Segments

Headlines:

• The New York Times: F.D.A. Relaxes Rules on ‘Naturally Derived’ Dyes
• AP: Companies can now claim ‘no artificial colors’ if they add plant-based color to food
• Fox News: FDA relaxes labeling rules on 'no artificial colors' claims amid crackdown
• CNN: FDA approves natural food dye beetroot red, expands the use of spirulina
• ABC’s Good Morning America: FDA commissioner explains new labeling guidelines for dyes on food packages
• Bloomberg: FDA Expands ‘No Artificial Colors’ Claim in Food Dye Shift
• Food Safety News: FDA gives companies new way to label foods with dyes
• Newsweek: List of Foods, Drinks That Can Claim ‘No Artificial Colors’ After FDA Shift
• The Hill: Kennedy’s FDA softens food additive regulations amid artificial color crackdown
• U.S. News & World Report: FDA Makes It Easier for Foods to Say 'No Artificial Colors'
• Fooddive: FDA loosens rules for ‘no artificial colors’ label in food
• Just Food: US FDA tweaks labelling rules on food colours
• Epoch Times: FDA Enables More Companies to Place ‘No Artificial Colors’ on Food Packaging
• Food Navigator: FDA eases ‘no artificial colors’ labeling rules, paves way for natural color adoption
• Food Safety Magazine: FDA Allows Foods with ‘Natural’ Food Dyes to Claim ‘No Artificial Colors’
• UPI: FDA eases food dye enforcement on labels
• Powder & Bulk Solids: FDA Eases Food Dye Claim Regulations
• Food Business News: FDA makes it easier to claim free of artificial colors 

Advocates & Organizations:

• Consumer Brands Association senior vice-president, Sarah Gallo, via press release: “Consumer Brands Association has made voluntary commitments to remove certified FD&C colors from America’s food supply and today’s announcement from the FDA supports food and beverage manufacturers’ efforts to innovate to meet consumer demand. All natural ingredients should continue to follow a rigorous science and risk-based evaluation process. In order to continue delivering affordable, convenient and safe products to consumers, manufacturers need increased access to natural color alternatives. This is a positive example of the FDA taking the lead on ingredient safety and transparency.” 

Medical Professionals:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson and registered dietitian, Dr. Wesley McWhorter via CNN: “Artificial dyes dominated because they are cheaper, more heat- and shelf-stable, and easier to standardize in ultra-processed foods…But those manufacturing advantages do not imply they are healthier or necessary, which is why many whole food-oriented brands have moved back toward plant- and algae-based color sources.”

Media Segments:

• Morning Joe with Commissioner Makary via MSNOW on February 6, 2026
• Greg Kelly Reports with Administer Oz via Newsmax on February 5, 2026
• The Story is With Elex Michaelson via CNN on February 5, 2026: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now approved six natural colors as food dyes beetroot red was just added to the list, along with the expanded use of spirulina extract. The agency has also tweaked food labels to make spotting artificial colors easier. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has been pushing to get rid of synthetic dyes in the U.S.”