NCA Report Highlights Industry Needs for Shift to Natural Food Colors
According to a new report by the National Confectioners Asssociation, a successful
transition from synthetic food dyes to naturally sourced alternatives in the US will require
significant investment, coordinated action across the food supply chain and a nationally
consistent, science-based regulatory framework.
Conducted by independent research institute RTI International, the report "Recoloring the
U.S. Food Industry’s Future" examines the practical considerations involved in scaling
natural food colors across the US food system. Drawing on stakeholder interviews, market
analysis, regulatory review and scenario modelling, the research concludes that replacing
synthetic dyes extends well beyond product reformulation, affecting agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and food production infrastructure.
Researchers also reportedly found that many natural color ingredients currently rely on
global sourcing, with several key raw materials produced primarily outside the US.
The report emphasises that scaling the supply of natural food colors will require long-term
investment from farmers, ingredient suppliers and manufacturers. However, stakeholders
interviewed for the study indicated that regulatory certainty and realistic implementation
timelines are essential before committing to major capital investments.
John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association, stated: “The
ingredients, agricultural capacity, manufacturing systems and infrastructure needed to
support this transition cannot be built overnight. Companies need regulatory certainty
before they can make the long-term investments required to expand supply, strengthen
domestic manufacturing, and ensure products remain safe, affordable and available for
consumers.”
The NCA commissioned the research to provide policymakers, regulators and food
manufacturers with an evidence-based assessment of the practical implications of
transitioning to naturally sourced food colors as discussions around food color regulation
continue in the US.
