How are natural colorants declared in the ingredient statement?
ColorMaker recommends that each company review a proposed ingredient statement with their legal counsel. Generally, two approaches are followed with colorants exempt from certification. First, colorants are not individually listed but grouped under the phrase “colors added.” This is allowed but some companies prefer to parenthetically list the colorants used. For example: color added (annatto and carmine). The second approach is to list the individual colorants and add a explanatory parenthetical phrase. For example: turmeric, paprika and caramel (for color). What is not allowed is to solely state, “natural color added.
