Color Additives

The Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) defines color additive a dye, pigment, or other substance capable of imparting color to food or flesh of an animal.  Color additives can be classified as Certified Colors, or Exempt from Certification.

Color additive evaluation is overseen by the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). For color additives used in aquaculture feed, livestock feed, or pet food, CFSAN will work closely with CVM to evaluate use and safety.  The petition should initially be sent to CFSAN.

NOTE: The FFDCA states that Color Additives cannot be GRAS.

Color Additives General - 21 CFR 70
Color Additives not Certified
Color Additives Certified
Color Additive Petitions