Coloring in confectionery

When color is added to a food the label must state artificial colored or artificial color added.  The term natural color may not be used even if the color is derived from nature.

Manufacturers use food coloring to create a colorful identity to foods that would otherwise be virtually colorless or to provide a colorful appearance to certain ‘fun foods’.

Synthetic food colorings and dyes are often used to enhance the appearance of confectionery items like sugar added cereals, candies, chocolate products and other products. Color stability also is an important aspect of the storage quality of these products.

Throughout the years the federal government has passed a variety of laws and guidelines a regarding artificial food coloring, including the prohibition of the ‘use of poisonous or deleterious colors in confectionery and the coloring or staining of food to conceal damage or inferiority’. The presence of non permitted coloring and misbranding by the incorrect listing of ingredients a constitute grounds for detention or seizure.

The FDA maintains a list of safe and harmless food dyes that can legally be used and sold. Fruit-type confectionery colors containing any artificial fruit flavor must be labeled as ‘artificial flavored’ in the manner specified by the regulations.

Because food colorings and flavorings are common to most candy, many observers believe that artificial colors may cause hyperactivity.
Coloring in confectionery