FSSAI and Food Color Regulations
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the use of food colors under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations. Only approved synthetic and natural colors may be used in food products sold in India.
Approved Synthetic Food Colors
FSSAI permits the following synthetic food colors:
| Color | E Number | CI Number | Shade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tartrazine | E102 | 19140 | Lemon Yellow |
| Sunset Yellow FCF | E110 | 15985 | Orange |
| Carmoisine | E122 | 14720 | Crimson Red |
| Ponceau 4R | E124 | 16255 | Strawberry Red |
| Allura Red AC | E129 | 16035 | Cherry Red |
| Erythrosine | E127 | 45430 | Cherry Pink |
| Indigo Carmine | E132 | 73015 | Indigo Blue |
| Brilliant Blue FCF | E133 | 42090 | Bright Blue |
| Green S | E142 | 44090 | Green |
| Chocolate Brown HT | E155 | 20282 | Brown |
Natural Food Colors
The trend toward clean-label products has driven demand for natural alternatives. Popular natural food colors include curcumin (turmeric), chlorophyll, carmine, paprika oleoresin, and spirulina extract.
Compliance Tips for Manufacturers
- Always verify the permitted usage level for each color in your specific food category
- Maintain batch-wise Certificates of Analysis (COA)
- Source from FSSAI-licensed manufacturers
- Label colors correctly with their INS/E numbers
Continental Chemicals is an FSSAI-licensed manufacturer of all 10 approved synthetic food colors, ensuring full compliance for domestic and export markets.
