HHS issued a press release last week: FDA takes New Approach to “No Artificial Colors” Claims

Companies will now have flexibility to claim products contain ‘no artificial colors’ when the products do not contain petroleum-based colors. In the past, companies were generally only able to make such claims when their products had no added color whatsoever — whether derived from natural sources or otherwise. The agency sent a letter to industry providing notice of the FDA’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion related to these voluntary labeling claims.

..Additionally, the agency today also approved beetroot red, a new color option, and approved the expanded use of spirulina extract, an existing color additive derived from a natural source…This brings the total number of new food color options approved under the current administration to six.

…Ongoing progress in removing petroleum-based colors from the food supply is being publicly tracked by the FDA at Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum Based Food Dyes.

Natural colors are generally extracted from vegetables, spices, or insects.  They go through industrial processing to extract the pigments and stabilize them.  (A series of videos explains the processes)

Are natural colors healthier?  They might be.  They are not associated with behavioral problems in children.

Are they safer?  Possibly, but they are not as well studied or regulated.  According to Time,

…their natural sources of color do not necessarily mean that they are safer or free of potentially harmful compounds. Natural sources may be treated with pesticides and herbicides, and are also prone to contamination with bacteria and other pathogens…To strip natural products of these contaminants, manufacturers process them with various solvents—some of which could remain in the final coloring and contribute to negative health effects…[and] it generally takes more natural color than synthetic color to make the same shade in a final food.

One additional point: color additives—regardless of source—are an indicator of ultra-processing.

Candy and cereals made with colors extracted from natural sources will still be ultra-processed.

The purpose of food colors—no matter their source—is entirely cosmetic.  They make foods look more appealing and appear to taste better. That’s why the food industry loves added colors.

Removing the more vibrant and more stable petroleum-based colors may reduce sales.

Will doing so Make America Healthy Again?  We shall see.