Industry Hotspot | FDA gradually phases out artificial colors, and natural colors give the food industry new options!

On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a major move to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic colors in the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026. Previously, on January 15, 2025, the FDA announced a ban on the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food, beverages, and oral medications. Behind this "color revolution", it also means that American food and beverages may enter the era of Natural Colors.

01. Specific measures
01.1. Establish national standards and timetables: The FDA will establish clear national standards and timetables for the food industry's transition from petrochemical dyes to natural alternatives to ensure that the transition process proceeds in an orderly manner.
01.2. Revoke authorizations for some synthetic colors: In the coming months, the authorization process for two synthetic food colors, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, will be initiated.
01.3. Phase out other synthetic colors: The FDA will work with the industry to eliminate the remaining six synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026, including: FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red), FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Lemon Yellow), FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow), FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue), and FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigo).
01.4. Early elimination of Red No. 3: The FDA requires food companies to remove FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) in advance of the previously set deadline of 2027-2028.

02. Why does the FDA "blacklist" artificial synthetic pigments?
Of the 36 food pigments currently approved in the United States, 8 are derived from petrochemical products. Although they have swept the food industry due to their "low cost and high stability" (such as the bright colors in candies, beverages, and snacks), more and more studies point to their potential risks:
Health risks: Long-term intake of some synthetic pigments may be associated with attention deficit, allergic reactions, and even cytotoxicity in children.
Label controversy: Consumers' resistance to "chemical additives" is increasing day by day, and the clean ingredient list has become a global trend.
The FDA said: We are pushing the industry to move to safer and more natural ingredients in a "gentle way". This is not a ban, but an active choice for "eating better".

03. Natural pigments: from "alternative options" to "must-answer questions"
When synthetic pigments gradually exit the market, who can take over the "color baton"? The answer is natural pigments that have already made their mark in the health field! Safe background, in line with demand!
Natural pigments from plants, microorganisms, and animals (such as Gardenia Yellow, curcumin, capsanthin, anthocyanins, phycocyanin, beta-carotene, cochineal red, etc.) are more in line with the Z generation's pursuit of "clean ingredients" consumption concept. A survey by Innova showed that 25% of consumers worldwide prefer natural plant pigments; AMD's relevant data also showed that 62% of consumers said they would actively avoid purchasing products with artificial pigments when purchasing food and beverages.
Under this trend, Henan Zhongda Hengyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., as a benchmark enterprise in China's natural pigment industry, can provide customers with a series of application solutions for natural pigments to replace synthetic pigments with its strong R&D strength of more than 30 years and rich industry experience, helping customers solve application problems from the source.