Automation of AOAC 988.13 for the Identification of FD&C Color Additives in Foods using Solid Phase Extraction

Introduction

A color additive is any dye, pigment or other substance which imparts color to a food, drug or cosmetic or to the human body (1). Color additives for food are commonly found in expected places, such as candies and powdered drink mixes, but also can be added to fruit skins to make them look more appealing. The addition of synthetic color additives is regulated closely by the FDA and is examined from the manufacturing of the pigment itself, through to its use and appropriate product labeling. Color additives have come under scrutiny recently because of their potential adverse physical and mental health effects that may be linked to ingestion, especially in children.