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Discover FDA-approved Pigments Safe and Compliant for Food Contact

Rublev Colours Gold Pearlescent PigmentRublev Colours Gold Pearlescent Pigment
Rublev Colours Gold Pearlescent Pigment can be used in polymeric materials in contact with food.

Natural Pigments offers pigments for a wide variety of uses. Always select the category to choose pigments best suited for that painting medium.

What are FDA-Approved Pigments?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets specific regulations for materials that come into contact with food to ensure safety and protect public health. Among these regulations, 21 CFR Part 178.3297, titled “Colorants for Polymers,” is concerned explicitly with pigments and dyes used in polymeric materials intended for food contact. Polymeric materials are plastics and resins that might be used in packaging, containers, utensils, and other items that directly or indirectly come into contact with food.

Meaning of Pigments Approved under 21 CFR Part 178.3297

Pigments approved under this section of the Code of Federal Regulations are considered safe for use in coloring polymers intended to come into contact with food. These pigments have undergone evaluation to ensure that they do not leach harmful substances into food at levels that would pose a risk to human health. The regulation specifies conditions under which these pigments can be used, such as types of food with which they can come into contact, temperature conditions, and concentration limits.

Where Can These Pigments Be Used?

The pigments approved under 21 CFR Part 178.3297 can be used in various polymeric materials that are part of food packaging and food contact articles. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Plastic containers and bottles
  • Coatings and linings in cans and jars
  • Cutlery and kitchen utensils made of plastic
  • Polymers used in food processing equipment
  • Parts of machinery that come into contact with food during processing

These pigments ensure that the polymers used in these applications are safe and do not adversely affect food quality or pose a health risk to consumers.

Use in Personal Care Products

The FDA's regulations for pigments in polymeric food contact articles (21 CFR Part 178.3297) are separate from those governing color additives in personal care products, including cosmetics. The use of color additives in cosmetics is regulated under different sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 21 CFR Parts 70 and 74. While some pigments may be approved for both applications, it's important to note that the approval and conditions for use in food contact materials do not automatically apply to cosmetics or personal care products.

In cosmetics, color additives must meet specific purity criteria and usage conditions to be considered safe. These regulations ensure that color additives do not cause adverse reactions when applied to the skin, ingested, or come into contact with mucous membranes.

In summary, while pigments approved under 21 CFR Part 178.3297 are deemed safe for use in food contact polymers, their use in personal care products such as cosmetics is subject to separate regulatory criteria and approvals. Manufacturers must consult the relevant sections of the FDA regulations to determine the appropriate and legal use of pigments and color additives in their products.

More About Rublev Colours Pigments

Rublev Colours dry powder and aqueous dispersion pigments are made by Natural Pigments. Please read our description of Rublev Colours Pigments for more information. For information about the permanence and composition of Rublev Colours Pigments, visit Pigments Composition and Permanence.

Visit our Swatch and Pigment guide for details on Rublev Colours Pigments images and where to find pigment information.


Resources on Pigments for Food Contact and Personal Care Uses

Colorants for Food Packaging

For more information on the use of colorants in food packaging and other food contact surfaces, please see The Use of Colorants in Packaging Applications: An Overview


Colorants for Food

For more information on the use of colorants and color additives in food, please see Color Additives in Foods

Colorants and Color Additives for Cosmetics

For more information on the use of colorants and color additives permitted for use in cosmetics, please see Color Additives Permitted for Use in Cosmetics


Pigment Selection for Cosmetic Formulations

For more information on the art of coloring cosmetics, please see Pigment Selection for Cosmetic Formulations


Frequently Asked Questions About Food Contact Pigments

Which food dyes are FDA approved?

The FDA has approved several food dyes for safety, including synthetic dyes like Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5, and natural colorants such as beet powder and turmeric.

What is an FDA-approved food contact surface?

FDA-approved food contact surfaces are materials that are safe for direct contact with food. These include certain plastics, metals, and coatings that meet FDA's safety standards.

What are food grade pigments?

Food-grade pigments are colorants deemed safe for consumption and use in food products. They must meet specific safety standards set by regulatory authorities like the FDA.

What are certified food colors?

Certified food colors are synthetic dyes that have undergone certification by the FDA for safety. They're used to enhance the appearance of food products.

How many food colors are approved by the FDA?

The FDA has approved a specific number of food colors for use, which can be found on their official website. This includes both certified and exempt from certification colors.

What are the non-permitted food colors?

Non-permitted food colors are those not approved by the FDA for use in food due to safety concerns. Their use in food products is illegal.

What is the difference between a certified food color and an exempt food color?

Certified food colors are synthetic and must pass FDA certification. Exempt colors are from natural sources and do not require certification, but still must be safe for food use.

What food dyes are not kosher?

Non-kosher food dyes are derived from non-kosher animals or produced in facilities that don't meet kosher certification standards.

What colors do food companies use?

Food companies use a wide array of colors, including both synthetic and natural options, depending on the desired visual effect and regulatory compliance. Choices are influenced by factors like color stability, safety, cost, and consumer preference.


Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Care Pigments

What is pigment in cosmetics?

Pigments in cosmetics are finely ground materials that impart color to makeup and personal care products. They can be derived from natural sources, like minerals and plants, or synthesized in laboratories to ensure purity and consistency.

What is a makeup pigment?

A makeup pigment is the colored powder used to formulate makeup or cosmetic products. These pigments provide the color and opacity needed for products like eyeshadows, lipsticks, and foundations.

What are the two types of dyes and pigments used in cosmetics?

Cosmetics use organic dyes and inorganic pigments. Organic dyes, derived from carbon-based molecules, offer vibrant colors but can be more susceptible to fading. Inorganic pigments, often metal oxides like titanium dioxide, provide stability and opacity.

What are the 3 main types of pigments?

The three main types of pigments are organic, inorganic, and synthetic. Organic pigments are derived from natural sources, inorganic pigments are made from minerals, and synthetic pigments are human-made for specific color and stability requirements. A fourth type of pigment is natural. Hence, pigments are classified as either natural or synthetic and organic or inorganic. An example of a synthetic inorganic pigment is ultramarine blue. An example of a synthetic organic pigment is quinacridone magenta.

How do you make your own makeup pigments?

Making your own makeup pigments involves grinding and mixing natural or synthetic colorants to achieve the desired hue. It's essential to use safe, cosmetic-grade ingredients and follow proper formulation guidelines to ensure the product's safety and effectiveness.

What natural colorant is used in cosmetics?

Natural colorants in cosmetics include carmine, beet powder, turmeric, and chlorophyll. These colorants are derived from plants and insects and are used for their vibrant colors and compatibility with organic and natural product formulations.

What pigments are used in foundation?

Foundations typically use a combination of titanium dioxide for opacity and UV protection, zinc oxide for its soothing properties, and iron oxides for color matching to skin tones. These pigments provide coverage and a natural-looking finish.


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