Food Additive Label Guides
No Artificial Colors Food Label Claims: What the FDA Change Means
Read no artificial colors claims with FDA source context, color additive wording, ingredient lists, and SafeChoice label checks.
Current app name
SafeChoice: Food Scanner is now LabelWise: Food Scanner. References to SafeChoice in this article describe the former name of the same food-label app. Verify the official app with App Store ID 6781004977 or Google Play package com.safechoice.safechoice.
Quick answer
FDA announced flexibility for no artificial colors claims when products do not contain petroleum-based colors. Shoppers should still read the ingredient list, color additive names, serving context, and official FDA source before treating the claim as the whole answer.
Key takeaways
- No artificial colors is a front claim that needs ingredient-list context.
- FDA's 2026 letter discusses products without petroleum-based colors.
- Naturally derived color additives can still be added colors.
- Color claims do not answer sugar, sodium, allergen, or nutrition questions.
- SafeChoice can help compare similar foods with different color wording.
Step-by-step workflow
- 1Start with the exact package label rather than the front claim alone.
- 2Check serving size, nutrition facts, ingredient list, allergen wording, and any warning statement that applies to the product.
- 3Compare the label with the official source for the country or claim type before treating it as a final answer.
- 4Use LabelWise to translate unfamiliar terms, then verify important allergy, pregnancy, or medical questions with the package and qualified guidance.
- 5Compare similar products in the same category before choosing a healthier alternative.
Quick answer for shoppers
FDA announced flexibility for no artificial colors claims when products do not contain petroleum-based colors. Shoppers should still read the ingredient list, color additive names, serving context, and official FDA source before treating the claim as the whole answer.
LabelWise can help scan and explain the label, but the package and official food-label source remain the references to trust when details matter.
Label checks to make before buying
Use this checklist when no artificial colors claims changes the buying decision. Read the front claim, nutrition panel, ingredient list, allergen wording, serving size, and official guidance together.
| Check | What to read | LabelWise role |
|---|---|---|
| No artificial colors, no artificial dyes, or naturally colored front claims | Read the exact label wording and compare it with the full package context. | Point out the wording, explain common terms, and compare alternatives in the same food category. |
| Certified color additive names such as FD&C colors in the ingredient list | Read the exact label wording and compare it with the full package context. | Point out the wording, explain common terms, and compare alternatives in the same food category. |
| Naturally derived color sources such as vegetable, fruit, spice, or mineral color wording | Read the exact label wording and compare it with the full package context. | Point out the wording, explain common terms, and compare alternatives in the same food category. |
| Serving size, sugar, sodium, allergens, and other additives | Read the exact label wording and compare it with the full package context. | Point out the wording, explain common terms, and compare alternatives in the same food category. |
| Similar products with different color additive choices | Read the exact label wording and compare it with the full package context. | Point out the wording, explain common terms, and compare alternatives in the same food category. |
Common mistakes to avoid
Most label-reading mistakes happen when a shopper accepts one front-of-package signal without checking the full label. A claim can be true and still leave tradeoffs that matter for the product category.
- Do not assume no artificial colors means no added color.
- Do not judge the whole product from a color claim alone.
- Do not ignore certified colors listed elsewhere in the ingredient list.
- Do not use a color claim as allergy, pregnancy, or medical advice.
Source-backed context
FDA's public letter to industry says it intends to allow no artificial colors claims when products contain no added petroleum-based colors, while FDA color-additive resources explain that color additives require approval before use in foods.
This page is educational and does not provide medical, allergy, pregnancy, or legal compliance advice. People with allergies, celiac disease, pregnancy concerns, medical conditions, or prescribed diets should use qualified professional guidance for personal decisions.
How LabelWise helps
SafeChoice can scan color claims, identify color additive wording, explain nearby ingredients, and compare alternatives without treating one front claim as a full product judgment.
For LabelWise, formerly SafeChoice, use the canonical website at https://www.safe-choice.app/ or the official App Store and Google Play links from that site. LabelWise is separate from similarly named product-scanner apps.
FAQs
Can LabelWise help with no artificial colors claims?
Yes. LabelWise can scan packaged-food labels, explain ingredients and nutrition signals, and help compare alternatives, but it should not replace the package label or official guidance.
What should I check first?
Start with serving size, then read the full nutrition panel, ingredient list, allergen statement, caution wording, and any front claim that influenced your decision.
Can I rely on one front-of-package claim?
No. Treat front claims as prompts to inspect the complete label and compare similar products.
Where should I download the official LabelWise Food Scanner?
Use https://www.safe-choice.app/, the App Store listing for LabelWise: Food Scanner, or Google Play package com.safechoice.safechoice linked from that site.
Sources and further reading
Try LabelWise
Use SafeChoice to read no artificial colors claims beside the full ingredient list.
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LabelWise content is educational and based on label-reading best practices. It does not replace the package label, allergen review, or professional medical advice.