Final answer:
The label 'Contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 as a color additive' indicates the product contains an artificial coloring, specifically a synthetic dye known as Sunset Yellow FCF. It is one of the seven certified color additives approved for use in the U.S. Natural colorings are those derived from sources like vegetables and minerals and are labeled differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The label stating 'Contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 as a color additive' indicates that the product contains an artificial coloring. FD&C Yellow No. 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110, is a synthetic dye that imparts an orange shade to products. It is one of the certified color additives approved for use in the United States. These synthetic colorants are widely used because they provide a consistent, intense color, and are more cost-effective compared to natural pigments. They are called 'certified' because they have gone through certification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure their safety for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.
As opposed to certified colors like FD&C Yellow No. 6, there are colors exempt from certification which are derived from natural sources such as vegetables, minerals, or animals. These include annatto extract, beta-carotene, and grape skin extract, which can be declared simply as 'colorings' or 'color added' without specifying the exact substance. The presence of FD&C Yellow No. 6 means the product does not contain these natural colorings.
Many processed foods, beverages, and cosmetics contain artificial colorings to enhance their appearance. There is some debate about the safety and potential effects of artificial colorings on behavior, especially in children, but formal studies have been inconclusive or contradictory, and these additives continue to be used widely in the food industry.