Color additive  

A color additive is any dye, pigment or substance that can give color when added or applied to a food, drug, cosmetic or to the human body. It can also be used in certain medical devices such as contact lenses.  

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for controlling all color additives used in the country. All color additives permitted for use in foods are classified either as "certifiable" or "exempt from certification".