What is a natural coloring?

There is not currently a legal definition of a natural coloring. This means that in the United States, you will not find the term as a label descriptor or in the ingredient content listing. Most people consider all color additives which are not FD&C numbered colors to be 'natural'. The FDA actually separates the two types as defined by those 'exempt from certification' and 'requiring certification'. This is the result of the complex food regulatory environment spanning over one hundred years of modifications, studies and challenges. Many manufacturers take the position that if the ingredient exists in nature, be it agricultural, biological or mineral in form than it is indeed natural. Titanium dioxide is a color additive that falls under the exempt category, and that is a great example of why it is difficult for regulators and companies which produce these products to agree. The alert consumer will be able to easily identify these contents once made aware of their presence.