Whether you are a part of the food or beverage industry or deal with cosmetics, you must be aware of the prescribed regulations about FD&C (food, drugs, and cosmetics) colors. These are additives that provide artificial color to your merchandise. Ranging from cosmetics, food, and drugs to medical devices, adding colors to food requires you to adhere to the prescribed industry regulations. No wonder, artificial colors can make products more appealing to customers.
As you know, synthetic colors are petroleum products. You also have some organic colors, that are extracted from mineral sources and vegetables. So, why is it important to use approved colors? We have discussed this aspect extensively in this article.
How Safe Are Color Additives To Food And Cosmetics?
Well, The Deployment Of Artificial Colors In Edible Products And Cosmetics Has Been A Controversial Topic Over The Years. Using Color Additives Can Lead to several issues when approved colors are not used and when approved colors are used beyond specified concentrations. Besides, the use of the wrong color ingredients can lead to skin eruptions, allergies, and even problems in the digestive system.
Different regulatory authorities operate globally to regulate the quality of colors used in food and cosmetics. For instance, the FDA operates in the USA to regulate the safety of food colors. Before you use a new color, or a new additive is launched in the market, it is mandatory to obtain the approval of the FDA.
Likewise, in India, the FSSAI looks after the quality of additives in food. The EU has its own department to regulate the quality of colors in food. The authorities examine each food and color based on its chemical composition. Accordingly, they find out the short and long-term effects on health when people consume the food. In the process, they determine the right quantities in which they can apply this color.
The food safety authorities also recommend that the name of the additives and the respective quantity should be mentioned on the package. This way, the regulatory authorities ensure that the food color being used is safe to consume.
Why should you use approved food colors?
Using approved colors in dyes in food and cosmetics is important from the following perspectives:
- Using an approved color ensures the safety of your product. You can advertise the certified color on the product package or label. This would help you market the product better. Consumers would be interested in healthy products only, so this would work in your favor.
- Secondly, using the wrong color or dye in edibles or cosmetics can have an adverse impact on your consumers. This implies that you would lose your reputation soon after launching the product. In a competitive economy, your brand image matters more than anything else.
- Lastly, but most importantly, you cannot afford to get your trade or business license cancel-led while trying to use substandard colors or additives. Using unapproved food colors can invite the wrath of the respective regulatory authorities in your country. This is the last thing any business owner would expect.
Considering these aspects, it would be wise to use only approved food colors in your edibles, cosmetics, drugs, or any other merchandise. Approved colors are better both for your consumers and your business.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this sheet is gathered from reliable and well published sources to the best of our knowledge, information, and belief on the date of its collation, release and is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Information is supplied upon the presumption that the receivers will make their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Vinner Labs, or its group companies or any company bearing Vinner logo, be responsible for damage of any nature what so ever resulting from use of or upon reliance of the information.