Vending

NCA disputes food dye study findings

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June 26, 2025

The National Confectioners Association has challenged claims made in a recent report on food dyes published in the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics." In a statement, the NCA emphasized that consumers understand chocolate and candy are treats, containing FDA-approved ingredients like food colors and sugar.

The association stated that the study's analysis had significant deficiencies, particularly in its focus on the amount of dyes in the food system without adequately considering actual consumer exposure. Citing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the NCA noted that Americans typically consume chocolate and candy only a few times per week, with an average daily intake of just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar from these products, which is considerably less than other food categories examined in the report.

Additionally, the NCA refuted assertions by the study's authors regarding advertising to children. The association highlighted a long-standing commitment by chocolate and candy companies mentioned in the study to avoid advertising to children under the age of 12.

The NCA also provided further context, noting that the California Department of Public Health denied a 2022 petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest — one of the organizations behind the current study — to add warning labels to foods with synthetic food dyes. The CDPH's decision was based on inconclusive evidence linking colors to hyperactivity. The FDA reached similar conclusions in its own reviews in 2011 and 2018.

The NCA underscored its ongoing dedication to responsible marketing, with most chocolate and candy companies not advertising on children's programming. This practice is monitored by BBB National Programs. The association further highlighted its "Always A Treat Initiative," which aims to educate consumers that chocolate and candy are intended as occasional treats within a balanced lifestyle.