FD&C Colors

What are FD&C Colors?

They are the colorants that have been approved and are on the list of colorants authorized in the United States by the federal law of food, drugs and cosmetics (FD&C) and that can be used in these without generating any health problem.

How is artificial food coloring made?

These additives used in food vary their compounds according to color. However, most have the following 3 compounds in common: The main ingredient is water; propylene glycol, which is used as an odorless, colorless and tasteless stabilizer; propylparaben that works as a preservative agent, preventing the growth of fungi and mold.

What is the list of Artificial food colors?

There are nine approved artificial additives:
1. FD&C Blue Number 1 and 2: Synthesized from petroleum, with Number 2 being the most common for use in foods. It is particularly used in cake mixes, icings and caramel.
2. FD&C Green Number 3: Also derived from petroleum and used in jellies, sauces, and vegetables.
3. FD&C Red Number 3 and 40: Used to create shades in foods and are used in a wide variety of candies, baked goods and ice cream. While 40 is also derived from petroleum, number 3 is derived from fluorene.
4. FD&C Yellow Number 5: Also known as tartrazine, derived from petroleum and used in cake mixes, candies and icing.
5. FD&C Orange Number 6: Known as Orange B and is used in hot dog and sausage liners.
6. Citric red number 2: The latter is only used to dye the skin of oranges.

Are fd&c colors vegan?

Most artificial colors are synthesized in the laboratory without the use of animal components, so these types of ingredients are suitable for vegans. However, we recommend that you check the product labels before making your purchase to ensure that it does not have any component that may not be suitable for vegans.

Are fd&c colors safe?

According to the article provided by the FDA (How Safe are Color Additives?) where the safety of these artificial additives is discussed, it is evident that these substances do not have any risk as long as they are used appropriately. In addition, it is also said that these products are evaluated and approved by this agency as long as they do not generate any risk in animals and humans. In mySibi you will find suppliers of artificial colors from all over the world, which comply with the guidelines proposed by the FDA.