Consumer Safeguards End: FDA Halts Artificial Ingredient Disclosures
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – When you're browsing the grocery shelves, you've probably noticed products boldly claiming "no artificial colors." Well, here's something you should know. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a major policy shift regarding voluntary food labeling claims related to artificial colors, according to reporting from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC.
So, what's changing? The FDA has stated it won't take enforcement action against food companies that use "no artificial colors" claims, provided the products don't contain any FD&C-certified (petroleum-based) color additives. This is a noteworthy shift from previous regulations, which generally only allowed these claims where a product contained no added color of any kind, whether sourced from nature or synthesized in a lab.
Why this change, you ask? The FDA's motive is to facilitate a transition of the U.S. food supply away from synthetic, petroleum-based color additives and steer it toward alternatives derived from natural sources. The agency believes that the current regulatory definition of "artificial color," which doesn't distinguish between naturally derived and synthetic colors, may be an obstacle to this shift.
What does this mean for you?
As shoppers, this development could change how we perceive food labels. While "no artificial colors" may sound appealing, remember that not all natural colors are necessarily better for you. Some natural colors can come from unexpected sources, like bugs or plants, and may still cause allergic reactions in some people. It's always a good idea to read the ingredients list for a more accurate understanding of what you're consuming.
The FDA's new policy is a reminder that the most informed shopper is the one who looks beyond the claims on the front of the package. It's an invitation for us to dig a little deeper into what we're really putting into our bodies.
Knowledge is power when it comes to grocery shopping.
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