Colour

Colours are substances that impart, restore or enhance the colour of a food. They can be natural extracts from plants, minerals or animals, or they can be synthetic compounds produced through chemical processes. Many colours are authorised for use in the UK and are listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.

Colours are added to foods to make them more visually appealing, to compensate for colour loss during processing, or to ensure consistency of appearance. They are found in a wide variety of products, including confectionery, beverages, baked goods, and processed foods, to provide a desired hue.

Colours are regulated as food additives in the UK and must be authorised for use. The UK's Register of Food Additive Authorisations lists permitted colours and their conditions of use. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated many colours for safety. Some studies have suggested a potential link between certain artificial colours and hyperactivity in children, though the evidence is mixed and regulatory bodies have concluded that for the general population, authorised colours are safe at typical intake levels.