Welcome to IACM
The International Association of Color Manufacturers (IACM) is a trade association that represents the manufacturers and end-users of coloring substances that are used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Our association includes members that produce and use both certified and exemptfrom certification colors.
RECENT NEWS:
Statements:
International Association of Color Manufacturers Finds No Public Health Benefit to Front of Package Labeling of Colors (December 13, 2011)
In response to a petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, IACM finds that there is no public health benefit to listing the presence of color additives on the front of the label of a manufactured food product. There are already regulations in place requiring food products to clearly label colors contained in product marketed in the United States. This allows consumers to make informed choices.
IACM Responds to Rumors Surrounding the Use of Certain Synthetic Colors (November 14, 2011)
Recent rumors that the Southampton colors are banned in Europe are not accurate. As part of an overall re-assessment of the safety of all food additives, the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS) has recently re-evaluated many food colors, including the six synthetic colors used in the "Southampton study" (McCann et al., 2007). EFSA, like the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, requires the labeling of these colors on food products, and opinions expressed by the EFSA ANS Panel and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have upheld the safety of the six synthetic colors, including sunset yellow and tartrazine, and will allow for their continued use within the European marketplace.
FDA Advisory Committee Finds No Causal Relationship Between Color Additives and Hyperactive Behavior (March 31, 2011)
The Committee concluded, based on available evidence, that there is no established causal relationship between the intake of color additives and hyperactivity in children. The Committee voted against recommending additional labeling beyond the name of the color. They agreed that additional studies are warranted.
IACM Reaffirms Safety of Food Dyes (June 29, 2010)
Responding to a report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, IACM confirms the safety of color additives and reassures consumers that food dyes are well-tested.
IACM POSITION STATEMENT ON HYPERACTIVITY - June 5, 2008
IACM PRESS RELEASE ON THE SAFETY OF ARTIFICIAL COLORS - June 3, 2008
News Links:
25 Eye-Catching Developments for 2011
Food Technology (November, 2011)
New York Times Article (March 31, 2011)
Los Angeles Times Article (March 31, 2011)
Wall Street Journal Article (April 1, 2011)
WebMD article (March 31, 2011)
MSNBC article (March 31, 2011)
