How will FDA's color-label change affect shoppers?

What shoppers need to know about the FDA's color-label update

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently revised its guidance on food-color labeling. Under the updated policy, manufacturers can use certain terminology about color additives that are described as "naturally derived," and that change affects how products can claim phrases related to artificial colors.

Consequence for grocery buyers:

• Claims may be less straightforward. Products carrying a “no artificial colors” claim might still contain color additives that the agency now classifies or allows to be identified as naturally derived. That means the plain-language label shoppers have relied on could mask the presence of added coloring unless consumers check ingredient lists.
• Ingredient lists remain critical. The safest way to determine what’s inside a product is to read the ingredients panel for any listed color additives (for example, names that end with "-color" or specific plant-derived color names).

Practical steps shoppers can take:

1. Scan the ingredient list for color additive names rather than relying solely on front-of-package claims.
2. Look for more explicit phrasing, such as “no added colors” or certifications that align with your preferences (organic, non‑GMO, etc.).
3. Contact manufacturers for clarification when label language is ambiguous.

The FDA’s change aims to reflect evolving food-ingredient practices and to clarify how manufacturers describe color additives. For consumers, the immediate takeaway is to pay closer attention to ingredient details and to use label-reading as the primary tool for assessing what’s actually in packaged foods.