Unapproved Colors

(non FD&C certified colors) – There is a list of FD&C certified colors approved for use in food and there is also a list of non FD&C certified colors that are not approved for use in food.  Non-FDA certified colors have been laboratory tested by the US FDA and found to be carcinogenic.  Color additives approved in other countries may not necessarily be approved in the United States.  There are also industrial dyes that are not certified for food use.  Certified food dyes are very costly and industrial dyes are much cheaper. Examples of industrial dyes: Rhodamine B and Auramine are not approved for food use anywhere in the world.  The colors have many different common and chemical names.

Products that may contain unapproved colors are typically candy, baked goods, beverages, and pasta. Products containing unapproved colors shall be destroyed and placed on an FDA import alert. 12(FDA 21CFRPart 70)