FDA Eases Enforcement on Food Dye Labeling

New policy gives manufacturers more flexibility to claim products are free of artificial dyes.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Food and Drug Administration announced it will not enforce regulations against "false or misleading" material on food labeling, allowing manufacturers to label products as free of artificial food dyes even if they contain dyes derived from natural sources. The new policy is part of a broader effort to encourage the use of safer, naturally derived color additives.

Why it matters

This policy change reflects a shift toward more transparency in food labeling and a push to reduce the use of synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes that have been linked to health concerns. It aligns with the Biden administration's broader initiative to improve the nutritional quality of the American food supply.

The details

Under current FDA regulations, any color additives must be labeled as "artificial color" even if they are derived from natural sources like beets. The new policy will give manufacturers more flexibility to label their products as free of artificial dyes, as long as they comply with other legal requirements. The discretion does not apply to products containing petroleum-based color additives.

  • On February 5, 2026, the FDA announced the new policy in a letter from Commissioner Marty Makary and Deputy Commissioner Kyle A. Diamantas.
  • In May 2025, the FDA approved three new natural food color additives as part of the effort to phase out artificial colorings.

The players

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and other consumer products in the United States.

Marty Makary

The current Commissioner of the FDA.

Kyle A. Diamantas

The current Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods at the FDA.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has championed the use of natural food colorings over synthetic alternatives.

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What they’re saying

“This is real progress. We are making it easier for companies to move away from petroleum-based synthetic colors and adopt safer, naturally derived alternatives. This momentum advances our broader effort to help Americans eat real food and Make America Healthy Again.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (UPI)

“For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks. We're removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives to protect families and support healthier choices.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services (UPI)

What’s next

The FDA's new policy is voluntary for food companies, and it remains to be seen how widely it will be adopted. The agency will continue to monitor compliance with other legal requirements for food labeling.

The takeaway

This policy change represents a significant shift toward more transparency and the use of natural ingredients in the American food supply. It aligns with growing consumer demand for healthier, less-processed foods and could spur further innovation in the food industry to meet these evolving preferences.