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  1. Color Additive Inventories

Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices

Notice: This document is not intended to be used as a substitute for the regulations that list color additives for use in the United States and the conditions imposed on their use in food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, respectively. These regulations are located in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 73, 74, 81 and 82. For approved conditions of use, the reader should refer to the regulation for the specific color additive of interest. Please note that color additives listed for use in drugs or cosmetics are not permitted for use in eye area products, injected products, or surgical sutures, unless the regulation for the color additive so states in the uses and restrictions paragraph. In this document, all color additives listed for suture use can be found in the table of color additives approved for use in medical devices. Additional information on color additives can be obtained from the Color Additive Status list. Important clarifications are detailed in the End Notes section.


Table of Contents

Color Additives Approved for Use in Human Food

Color Additives Approved for Use in Drugs

Color Additives Approved for Use in Cosmetics

Color Additives Approved for Use in Medical Devices


Color Additives Approved for Use in Human Food
Part 73, Subpart A: Color additives exempt from batch certification(1)
21 CFR Section Straight Color EEC# Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§73.30 Annatto extract E160b 1963 Foods generally.
§73.40 Dehydrated beets (beet powder) E162 1967 Foods generally.
§73.69 Butterfly pea flower extract ---- 2021 Alcoholic beverages, sport and energy drinks, flavored or carbonated water, fruit drinks (including smoothies and grain drinks), carbonated soft drinks (fruit-flavored or juice, ginger ale, and root beer), fruit and vegetable juice, nutritional beverages, chewing gum, teas, coated nuts, liquid coffee creamers (dairy and non-dairy), ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, hard candy, dairy and non-dairy drinks, fruit preparations in yogurts, and soft candy.
§73.70 Calcium carbonate E170 2017 Hard and soft candies and mints, inks used on the surface of chewing gum.
§73.75 Canthaxanthin(3) E161g 1969 Foods generally, NTE(7) 30 mg/lb of solid or semisolid food or per pint of liquid food; May also be used in broiler chicken feed.
§73.85 Caramel E150a-d 1963 Foods generally.
§73.90 β-Apo-8'-carotenal E160e 1963 Foods generally, NTE(7): 15 mg/lb solid, 15 mg/pt liquid.
§73.95 β-Carotene E160a 1964 Foods generally.
§73.100 Cochineal extract E120 1967 Foods generally
§73.100 Carmine E120 2009 Food label must use common or usual name "carmine"; effective January 5, 2011
§73.125 Sodium copper chlorophyllin(3) E141 2002 Citrus-based dry beverage mixes NTE(7) 0.2 percent in dry mix; extracted from alfalfa.
§73.140 Toasted partially defatted cooked cottonseed flour ---- 1964 Foods generally.
§73.160 Ferrous gluconate ---- 1967 Ripe olives.
§73.165 Ferrous lactate ---- 1996 Ripe olives.
§73.169 Grape color extract(3) E163? 1981 Nonbeverage food.
§73.170 Grape skin extract (enocianina) E163? 1966 Still & carbonated drinks & ades; beverage bases; alcoholic beverages (restrict. 27 CFR Parts 4 & 5).
§73.200 Synthetic iron oxide(3) E172 1994 Sausage casings NTE(7) 0.1 percent (by wt).
§73.200 Synthetic iron oxide(3) E172 2015 Hard and soft candy, mints and chewing gum.
§73.200 Synthetic iron oxide(3) E172 2015 For allowed human food uses, reduce lead from ≤ 20 ppm to ≤ 5 ppm.
§73.200 Synthetic iron oxide   2018 Dietary supplement tablets and capsules, including coatings and printing inks.
§73.250 Fruit juice(3) ---- 1966 Foods generally.
§73.250 Fruit juice(3) ---- 1995 Dried color additive.
§73.260 Vegetable juice(3) ---- 1966 Foods generally.
§73.260 Vegetable juice(3) ---- 1995 Dried color additive, water infusion.
§73.300 Carrot oil ---- 1967 Foods generally.
§73.340 Paprika E160c 1966 Foods generally.
§73.345 Paprika oleoresin E160c 1966 Foods generally.
§73.350 Mica-based pearlescent pigments ---- 2006 Cereals, confections and frostings, gelatin desserts, hard and soft candies (including lozenges), nutritional supplement tablets and gelatin capsules, and chewing gum.
§73.350 Mica-based pearlescent pigments ---- 2013 Distilled spirits containing not less than 18 % and not more than 23 % alcohol by volume but not including distilled spirits mixtures containing more than 5 % wine on a proof gallon basis.
§73.350 Mica-based pearlescent pigments ---- 2015 Cordials, liqueurs, flavored alcoholic malt beverages, wine coolers, cocktails, nonalcoholic cocktail mixers and mixes and in egg decorating kits.
§73.450 Riboflavin E101 1967 Foods generally.
§73.500 Saffron E164 1966 Foods generally.
§73.520 Soy leghemoglobin ---- 2019 Ground beef analogue products, NTE 0.8% by weight of uncooked ground beef analogue product.
§73.530  Spirulina extract ---- 2013 Candy and chewing gum.
§73.530  Spirulina extract ---- 2014 Coloring confections (including candy and chewing gum), frostings, ice cream and frozen desserts, dessert coatings and toppings, beverage mixes and powders, yogurts, custards, puddings, cottage cheese, gelatin, breadcrumbs, and ready-to-eat cereals (excluding extruded cereals). 
§73.530  Spirulina extract ---- 2017 Seasonally color the shells of hard-boiled eggs.
§73.575 Titanium dioxide E171 1966 Foods generally; NTE(7) 1 percent (by wt).
§73.585 Tomato lycopene extract; tomato lycopene concentrate(3) E160 2006 Foods generally.
§73.600 Turmeric E100 1966 Foods generally.
§73.615 Turmeric oleoresin E100 1966 Foods generally.

Color Additives Approved for Use in Human Food
Part 74, Subpart A: Color additives subject to batch certification(4)
21 CFR Section Straight Color EEC# Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§74.101 FD&C Blue No. 1 E133 1969 Foods generally.
§74.101 FD&C Blue No. 1 E133 1993 Added Mn spec.
§74.102 FD&C Blue No. 2 E132 1987 Foods generally.
§74.203 FD&C Green No. 3 ---- 1982 Foods generally.
§74.250 Orange B(3) ---- 1966 Casings or surfaces of frankfurters and sausages; NTE(7) 150 ppm (by wt).
§74.302 Citrus Red No. 2 ---- 1963 Skins of oranges not intended or used for processing; NTE(7) 2.0 ppm (by wt).
§74.303 FD&C Red No. 3 E127 1969 Foods generally.
§74.340 FD&C Red No. 40(3) E129 1971 Foods generally.
§74.705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 E102 1969 Foods generally.
§74.706 FD&C Yellow No. 6 E110 1986 Foods generally.

Color Additives Approved for Use in Drugs
Part 73, Subpart B: Color additives exempt from batch certification
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§73.1010 Alumina (dried aluminum hydroxide) 1967 Drugs generally (5).
§73.1030 Annatto extract 1963 Ingested drugs generally(5); external drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1070 Calcium carbonate 1967 Drugs generally (5).
§73.1075 Canthaxanthin(3) 1969 Ingested drugs generally (5).
§73.1085 Caramel 1963 Ingested and topically applied drugs generally (5),(6).
§73.1095 β-Carotene 1964 Ingested drugs generally(5).
§73.1095 β-Carotene 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1100 Cochineal extract 1969 Ingested and externally applied drugs(6).
§73.1100 Carmine 1967 Ingested and externally applied drugs(6).
§73.1125 Potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin (chlorophyllin-copper complex) 1969 Dentrifices that are drugs; NTE(7) 0.1%
§73.1150 Dihydroxyacetone 1973 Externally applied drugs(6) intended solely or in part to impart a color to the human body
§73.1162 Bismuth oxychloride 1977 Externally applied drugs (6) including eye area use.
§73.1200 Synthetic iron oxide 1966 Ingested or topically applied drugs(6) ingested dosage by man NTE(7) 5 mg/d (as Fe).
§73.1298 Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1299 Ferric ferrocyanide 1977 Externally applied drugs including(6) eye area use.
§73.1326 Chromium hydroxide green 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1327 Chromium oxide greens 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1329 Guanine 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1350 Mica-based pearlescent pigments (3) 2006 Ingested drugs NTE(7) 3%. Iron NTE(7)55 wt %.
§73.1400 Pyrophyllite 1966 Externally applied drugs(6).
§73.1496 Mica 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1496 Mica 1987 Dentifrices.
§73.1550 Talc 1967 Drugs generally (5).
§73.1575 Titanium dioxide 1966 Drugs generally(5) including eye area use .
§73.1645 Aluminum powder 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1646 Bronze powder 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1647 Copper powder 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.
§73.1991 Zinc oxide 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) including eye area use.

Color Additives Approved for Use in Drugs
Part 74, Subpart B: Color additives subject to batch certification
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§74.1101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1969 Ingested drugs generally(5).
§74.1101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1982 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1994 Eye area use (includes lake).
§74.1102 FD&C Blue No. 2 1987 Ingested drugs.
§74.1104 D&C Blue No. 4 1977 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1203 FD&C Green No. 3 1982 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1205 D&C Green No. 5 1982 Drugs generally(5).
§74.1205 D&C Green No. 5 1994 Eye area use.
§74.1206 D&C Green No. 6 1982 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1208 D&C Green No. 8 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) (NTE(7) 0.01% (by weight)).
§74.1254 D&C Orange No. 4 1977 Externally applied drugs (6) .
§74.1255 D&C Orange No. 5 1984 Externally applied drugs (6) (NTE(7) 5 mg/daily dose of drug).
§74.1255 D&C Orange No. 5 1982 Mouthwashes and dentifrices.
§74.1260 D&C Orange No. 10 1981 Externally applied drugs (6) .
§74.1261 D&C Orange No. 11 1981 Externally applied drugs (6) .
§74.1303 FD&C Red No. 3 1969 Ingested drugs.
§74.1304 FD&C Red No. 4 1976 Externally applied drugs (6) .
§74.1306 D&C Red No. 6 1983 Drugs such that total with D&C Red No. 7 NTE(7) 5 mg/daily dose of drug.
§74.1306 D&C Red No. 6 2012 Ether-soluble matter specification changed to 1-[(4-methylphenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenol, not more than 0.015 percent.
§74.1307 D&C Red No. 7 1983 Drugs such that total with D&C Red No. 6 NTE(7) 5 mg/daily dose of drug.
§74.1307 D&C Red No. 7 2012 Ether-soluble matter specification changed to 1-[(4-methylphenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenol, not more than 0.015 percent.
§74.1317 D&C Red No. 17 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1321 D&C Red No. 21 1983 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1322 D&C Red No. 22 1983 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1327 D&C Red No. 27 1982 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1328 D&C Red No. 28 1982 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1330 D&C Red No. 30 1982 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1331 D&C Red No. 31 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1333 D&C Red No. 33 1988 Ingested drugs, other than mouthwashes and dentifrices (NTE(7) 0.75 mg/daily dose of drug); externally applied drugs(6) mouthwashes and dentifrices.
§74.1334 D&C Red No. 34 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1336 D&C Red No. 36 1989 Ingested drugs, other than mouthwashes and dentifrices, NTE(7) 1.7 mg/daily dose for drugs taken less than 1 yr; NTE(7) 1.0 mg/daily dose for drugs taken more than 1 yr.
§74.1336 D&C Red No. 36 1988 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1339 D&C Red No. 39 1966 Quaternary ammonium type germicidal solutions for external application (NTE(7) 0.1% (by wt) of finished drug product).
§74.1340 FD&C Red No. 40(3) 1971 Drugs generally(5).
§74.1340 FD&C Red No. 40(3) 1994 Eye area use (includes lake).
§74.1602 D&C Violet No. 2 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 1969 Ingested drugs generally(5).
§74.1705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 1985 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 1994 Eye area use (includes lake).
§74.1706 FD&C Yellow No. 6 1986 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1707 D&C Yellow No. 7 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1707a Ext. D&C Yellow No. 7 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1708 D&C Yellow No. 8 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .
§74.1710 D&C Yellow No. 10 1983 Drugs generally (5).
§74.1710 D&C Yellow No. 10 1984 Modification of uses and restrictions.
§74.1711 D&C Yellow No. 11 1976 Externally applied drugs(6) .

Color Additives Approved for Use in Cosmetics
Part 73, Subpart C: Color additives exempt from batch certification
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§73.2030 Annatto 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2085 Caramel 1981 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2087 Carmine 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2095 ß-Carotene 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2110 Bismuth citrate(3) 1978 Cosmetics intended for coloring hair on the scalp only NTE(7) 0.5 percent.
§73.2110 Bismuth citrate(3) 2010 Cosmetics intended for coloring hair on the scalp only NTE(7) 2.0 percent.
§73.2120 Disodium EDTA-copper 1974 Coloring of shampoos that are cosmetics.
§73.2125 Potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin (chlorophyllin copper-complex) 1969 Coloring dentifrices that are cosmetics NTE(7) 0.1% in combination with a list of substances.
§73.2150 Dihydroxyacetone 1973 Externally applied cosmetics(6) intended solely or in part to impart color to the human body.
§73.2162 Bismuth oxychloride 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2180 Guaiazulene 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6).
§73.2190 Henna(3) 1965 Coloring hair but not eyelashes, eyebrows, or eye area.
§73.2250 Iron oxides 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2298 Ferric ammonium ferrocyanide 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2299 Ferric ferrocyanide 1978 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2326 Chromium hydroxide green 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2327 Chromium oxide greens 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2329 Guanine 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2396 Lead acetate 2021 (repeal of listing) No longer permitted for coloring hair on the scalp.
§73.2400 Pyrophyllite 1973 Externally applied cosmetics(6).
§73.2496 Mica 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2500 Silver (3) 1979 Coloring fingernail polish NTE(7) 1% of final product.
§73.2550 Silver nitrate 2021 Externally applied professional-use only cosmetics intended to impart color to the eyebrows and eyelashes, NTE 4% by weight, additional restrictions.
§73.2575 Titanium dioxide 1973 Cosmetics including eye area use.
§73.2645 Aluminum powder 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2646 Bronze powder 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2647 Copper powder 1977 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2725 Ultramarines 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) including eye area use.
§73.2775 Manganese violet 1976 Cosmetics generally(5) including eye area use.
§73.2991 Zinc oxide 1977 Cosmetics including eye area use.
§73.2995 Luminescent zinc sulfide (3) 2000 Nail polish and externally applied facial makeup(6) NTE(7) 10% of final product for limited, occasional use.

Color Additives Approved for Use in Cosmetics
Part 74, Subpart C: Color additives subject to batch certification(4)
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§74.2052 D&C Black No. 2 2004 Eyeliner, brush-on-brow, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, blushers and rouge, makeup and foundation, and nail enamel.
§74.2053 D&C Black No. 3 (3) 2007 Eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and face powder.
§74.2101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1982 Cosmetics generally(5).
§74.2101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1993 Allows MnO2 in manufacture.
§74.2101 FD&C Blue No. 1 1994 Eye area use (includes lake).
§74.2104 D&C Blue No. 4 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2151 D&C Brown No. 1 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2203 FD&C Green No. 3 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2205 D&C Green No. 5 1982 Cosmetics generally(5).
§74.2205 D&C Green No. 5 1994 Eye area use.
§74.2206 D&C Green No. 6 1982 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2208 D&C Green No. 8 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) (NTE(7) 0.01% (by wt) of finished cosmetic product).
§74.2254 D&C Orange No. 4 1977 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2255 D&C Orange No. 5 1984 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2255 D&C Orange No. 5 1982 Mouthwashes, dentifrices, lipsticks, and other lip cosmetics NTE(7) 5 percent.
§74.2260 D&C Orange No. 10 1981 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2261 D&C Orange No. 11 1981 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2304 FD&C Red No. 4 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2306 D&C Red No. 6 1983 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2306 D&C Red No. 6 2012 Ether-soluble matter specification changed to 1-[(4-methylphenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenol, not more than 0.015 percent.
§74.2307 D&C Red No. 7 1983 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2307 D&C Red No. 7 2012 Ether-soluble matter specification changed to 1-[(4-methylphenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenol, not more than 0.015 percent.
§74.2317 D&C Red No. 17 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2321 D&C Red No. 21 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2322 D&C Red No. 22 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2327 D&C Red No. 27 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2328 D&C Red No. 28 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2330 D&C Red No. 30 1982 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2331 D&C Red No. 31 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2333 D&C Red No. 33 1988 Externally applied cosmetics(6) ; mouthwashes, dentifrices; cosmetic lip products (NTE(7) 3% (by wt) of finished cosmetic product).
§74.2334 D&C Red No. 34 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2336 D&C Red No. 36 1988 Externally applied cosmetics(6); cosmetic lip products (NTE(7) 3% (by wt) of finished cosmetic product).
§74.2340 FD&C Red No. 40(3) 1975 Cosmetics generally(5).
§74.2340 FD&C Red No. 40(3) 1994 Eye area use (includes Al lake). No oxidizing or reducing agents that may affect integrity.
§74.2602 D&C Violet No. 2 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2602a Ext. D&C Violet No. 2 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6) .
§74.2705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 1985 Cosmetics generally(5).
§74.2705 FD&C Yellow No. 5 1994 Eye area use (includes Al lake).
§74.2706 FD&C Yellow No. 6 1986 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2707 D&C Yellow No. 7 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6).
§74.2707a Ext. D&C Yellow No. 7 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6).
§74.2708 D&C Yellow No. 8 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6).
§74.2710 D&C Yellow No. 10 1983 Cosmetics generally (5).
§74.2710 D&C Yellow No. 10 1984 Modification of uses and restrictions.
§74.2711 D&C Yellow No. 11 1976 Externally applied cosmetics(6).

Color Additives Approved for Use in Medical Devices
Part 73, Subpart D: Color additives exempt from batch certification
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§73.1015 Chromium-cobalt-aluminum oxide 1974 Linear polyethylene surgical sutures NTE(7) 2% general surgery.
§73.1025 Ferric ammonium citrate 1973 With pyrogallol for coloring plain or chromic catgut sutures; NTE(7) 3% general and ophthalmic surgery.
§73.1375 Pyrogallol 1973 With ferric ammonium citrate for coloring plain or chromic catgut sutures; NTE(7) 3% general and ophthalmic surgery.
§73.1410 Logwood extract 1977 For coloring nylon 66, nylon 6, or silk non-absorbable sutures; NTE(7) 1% general and ophthalmic surgery.
§73.3100 1,4-Bis[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)amino]-9,10-anthracenedione bis(2-propenoic)ester copolymers(3) 1996 Contact lenses
§73.3105 1,4-Bis [(2-methylphenyl)amino] -9,10-anthracenedione(3) 1984 Contact lenses.
§73.3106 1,4-Bis[4- (2-methacryloxyethyl) phenylamino] anthraquinone copolymers(3) 1990 Contact lenses.
§73.3106 1,4-Bis[4- (2-methacryloxyethyl) phenylamino] anthraquinone copolymers(3) 1993 Added copolymer, renamed.
§73.3106 1,4-Bis[4- (2-methacryloxyethyl) phenylamino] anthraquinone copolymers(3) 1995 Additional copolymer.
§73.3107 Carbazole violet(3) 1988 Contact lenses.
§73.3110 Chlorophyllin-copper complex, oil soluble(3) 1984 Bone cement only NTE(7) 0.003%.
§73.3110a Chromium-cobalt-aluminum oxide(3) 1988 Contact lenses.
§73.3111 Chromium oxide greens(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3112 C.I. Vat Orange 1(3) 1985 Contact lenses.
§73.3115 2-[[2,5-Diethoxy- 4-[(4-methylphenyl)thiol] phenyl]azo] -1,3,5-benzenetriol(3) 1983 Formed in situ in soft contact lenses to mark L and R NTE(7) 1.1x10-7 g/lens.
§73.3117 16,23-Dihydrodinaphtho [2,3-a:2',3'-i] naphth [2',3':6,7] indolo [2,3-c] carbazole- 5,10,15,17,22,24-hexone(3) 1983 Contact lenses.
§73.3118 N,N'-(9,10-Dihydro- 9,10-dioxo- 1,5-anthracenediyl) bisbenzamide(3) 1983 Contact lenses.
§73.3119 7,16-Dichloro- 6,15-dihydro- 5,9,14,18-anthrazinetetrone(3) 1983 Contact lenses.
§73.3120 16,17-Dimethoxydinaphtho (1,2,3-cd:3',2',1'-lm) perylene-5,10-dione(3) 1983 Contact lenses.
§73.3121 Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) -dye copolymers(3): one or more of (1) Reactive Black 5 1984 Contact lenses.
(2) Reactive Blue 21 1984
(3) Reactive Orange 78 1984
(4) Reactive Yellow 15 1984
(5) Reactive Blue No. 19 1985
(6) Reactive Blue No. 4 1985
(7) C.I. Reactive Red 11 1985
(8) C.I. Reactive Yellow 86 1985
(9) C.I. Reactive Blue 163 1985
(10) C.I. Reactive Red 180 1993
§73.3122 4-[(2,4-dimethylphenyl)azo]- 2,4-dihydro- 5-methyl-2-phenyl- 3H-pyrazol-3-one(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3123 6-Ethoxy-2- (6-ethoxy-3-oxobenzo[b] thien-2(3H)- ylidene) benzo[b]thiophen- 3(2H)-one(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3124 Phthalocyanine green(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3125 Iron oxides(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3126 Titanium dioxide(3) 1986 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (1) C.I. Reactive Red 180 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (2) C.I. Reactive Black 5 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (3) C.I. Reactive Orange 78 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (4) C.I. Reactive Yellow 15 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (5) C.I. Reactive Blue No. 19 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3127 Vinyl alcohol/methyl methacrylate-dye reaction products(3); one or more of: (6) C.I. Reactive Blue 21 1993 Contact lenses.
§73.3128 Mica-based pearlescent pigments(3) 2002 Contact lenses
§73.3129 Disodium 1-amino-4-[[4-[(2-bromo-1-oxoallyl)amino]-2-sulphonatophenyl]amino]-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dioxoanthracene-2-sulphonate (Reactive Blue 69)(3) 2011 Contact lenses

Color Additives Approved for Use in Medical Devices
Part 74, Subpart D: Color additives subject to batch certification(4)
21 CFR Section Straight Color Year(2)Approved Uses and Restrictions
§74.1109 D&C Blue No. 9 1974 Cotton and silk surgical sutures; NTE(7) 2.5% general and ophthalmic use.
§74.1205 D&C Green No. 5 1973 Nylon 66 nonabsorbable sutures; NTE(7) 0.6% general surgery.
1977 Nylon 6 same conditions.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1969 Polypropylene sutures NTE(7) 0.5%.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1983(3)

Contact lenses.

§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1986(3) Contact lenses.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1985(3) Polybutester sutures NTE(7) 0.5%.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1986(3) Increased chlorine spec.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1987(3) Haptics for intraocular lens NTE(7) 0.5%.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1990(3) Polybutylene terephthalate sutures NTE(7) 0.5%.
§74.3045 [Phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper 1999(3) Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) nonabsorbable sutures.
§74.3054 D&C Black No. 4 2018 Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene non-absorbable sutures, NTE 1.0% by weight.
§74.3102 FD&C Blue No. 2 1971 Nylon surgical sutures; NTE(7) 1% general surgery.
Suture listing moved from 74.1102 to 74.3102
§74.3102 FD&C Blue No. 2 1999 Nylon surgical sutures; NTE(7) 1% general surgery.
Suture listing moved from 74.1102 to 74.3102
§74.3102 FD&C Blue No. 2 1999(3) Bone cement (Al lake) NTE(7) 0.1%
§74.3106 D&C Blue No. 6 1978 Various sutures NTE(7) specified levels.
§74.3106 D&C Blue No. 6 1985(3) Various sutures NTE(7) specified levels.
§74.3206 D&C Green No. 6 1963 Various sutures NTE(7) specified levels.
§74.3206 D&C Green No. 6 1975 Various sutures NTE(7) specified levels.
§74.3206 D&C Green No. 6 1983(3) Contact lenses NTE(7) 0.03%.
§74.3206 D&C Green No. 6 1986(3) Uniform specifications.
§74.3206 D&C Green No. 6 1993(3) Haptics of intraocular lenses NTE(7) 0.1%.
§74.3230 D&C Red No. 17 1990(3) Contact lenses.
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1974 NTE(7) 0.2 percent by wt in glycolic-lactic acid polyester absorbable sutures
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1980 (3) NTE(7) 0.3 percent in polydioxanone synthetic absorbable sutures
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1993 (3) NTE(7) 0.25 percent in epsilon caprolactone/glycolide copolymer absorbable sutures
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1994 (3) NTE(7) 0.1 percent in poly epsilon caprolactone absorbable sutures
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1998 (3) NTE(7) 0.2 percent in glycolide/dioxanone/ triethylene carbonate tripolymer absorbable sutures
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 2000 (3) NTE(7) 0.2 percent in absorbable sutures from homopolymers of glycolide.
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1987(3) Contact lenses.
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1990(3) NTE(7) 0.2 percent of intraocular lens haptics.
§74.3602 D&C Violet No. 2 1999 (3) NTE(7) 0.15 percent by weight of meniscal tacks.
§74.3708 D&C Yellow No. 8 2018 Contact lens solution for coloring disposable daily-wear hydrogel-based soft (hydrophilic). contact lenses, NTE 0.044% by weight.
§74.3710 D&C Yellow No. 10 1987(3) Contact lenses.
End Notes
  1. The color additives Astaxanthin, Astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate, Ultramarine blue, Canthaxanthin, Haematococcus algae meal, Synthetic iron oxide, Dried algae meal, Tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract, Corn endosperm oil, Paracoccus pigment, and Phaffia yeast are approved for specific uses in animal food (see 21 CFR 73.35, 73.37, 73.50, 73.75, 73.185, 73.200, 73.275, 73.295, 73.315, 73.352, and 73.355, respectively).  
  2. The year approved is based on the date listed in the "Confirmation of Effective Date" notice for the action as published in the Federal Register.  
  3. Petitioned for use after the 1960 amendments; not provisionally listed.
  4. Color additives listed in 21 CFR Parts 74 and 82 must be analyzed and batch certified by FDA before they can be used in any FDA-regulated product marketed in the U.S. This requirement applies to products imported into this country as well as those manufactured domestically. Manufacturers of certified color additives must include on the label the name of the certified color additive, a statement indicating general use limitations, any quantitative limitations in products, and the certification lot number assigned to the batch. Straight colors required to be certified are listed in 21 CFR Part 74. Most lakes are provisionally listed under 21 CFR 81.1 for use as listed in 21 CFR 82.51 (food, drugs, and cosmetics), 21 CFR 82.1051 (drugs and cosmetics), or 21 CFR 82.2051 (externally applied drugs and cosmetics). All FD&C Red No. 40 lakes are permanently listed under 21 CFR 74.340 (food), 74.1340 (drugs), and 74.2340 (cosmetics). FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Yellow No. 5 aluminum lakes for drug and cosmetic use are permanently listed in 21 CFR sections 74.1101, 74.1705, 74.2101, and 74.2705.
  5. Color additives that are permitted for general use may not be used in the area of the eye, in injections, or in surgical sutures unless such use is specified in the color additive listing regulation. Currently no color additives are listed for use in injected products (such as tattoos or permanent makeup).  
  6. Color additives that are permitted for external application may not be used in the area of the eye, in injections, or in surgical sutures unless such use is specified in the color additive listing regulation. Currently no color additives are listed for use in injected products (such as tattoos or permanent makeup). Some color additives that are permitted for external application also may be permitted in mouthwashes, dentifrices, or lipsticks in limited amounts specified in the color additive listing regulations.  
  7. NTE - not to exceed.

To access regulations from the Government Printing Office Website, click on the hyperlinks below. This opens the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations . Select the desired section below.

Part Sections Titles
73 73.1-73-3128 Listing of Color Additives Exempt from Certification
74 74.101-74.3710 Listing of Color Additives Subject to Certification
81 81.1-81.32 General Specifications and General Restrictions for Provisional Color Additives for Use in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics
82 82.3-82.2707a Listing of Certified Provisionally Listed Colors and Specifications

Content last updated on May 2015

 
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