Artificial & Natural Color Testing

FD&C Dyes, Lakes, Natural Colorants, and Color Additive Compliance

FTS Laboratories tests for both artificial and natural color additives in food, beverage, and ingredient products to support labeling accuracy and import compliance. Our testing covers commonly regulated FD&C dyes — including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, and their corresponding lake pigments — as well as natural colorants such as beet extract, turmeric/curcumin, annatto, carmine, and anthocyanins. We also offer specialized copper chlorophyll and copper chlorophyllin testing by LC-MS/MS, supporting compliance for products where copper-complex green colorants are used or suspected — a critical capability for FDA import review and detention response. Whether you're verifying a "clean label" reformulation, confirming FD&C dye levels for FDA compliance, or investigating an unexpected color additive on import, our lab can identify and quantify the specific colorants present in your product.