FDA Approves Three Natural Color Additives for Food Use

In a significant move towards enhancing food safety and transparency, U.S. regulators have announced the approval of three new natural color additives derived from minerals, algae, and flower petals for use in the food supply. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts to phase out synthetic petroleum-based dyes that have been prevalent in a variety of food products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted permission for the incorporation of galdieria extract blue, a natural blue color sourced from algae; calcium phosphate, a white hue extracted from a naturally occurring mineral; and butterfly pea flower extract, another blue color derived from dried flower petals. These additives will be permitted in a wide array of food items including fruit juices, yogurt, pretzels, ready-to-eat chicken, and candies.

The FDA emphasized that this expansion of natural color options will provide food manufacturers with safer alternatives to use in their products. This move comes in response to mounting health advocacy urging the removal of artificial dyes, which have been linked to potential neurobehavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity and attention problems. While the FDA has historically maintained that the approved artificial dyes are safe, this new regulation marks a shift towards more natural food coloring options.

The recent approvals follow a series of petitions from various companies: a 2021 petition from Fermentalg to introduce galdieria extract blue; a 2023 request from Innophos Inc. for calcium phosphate; and a 2024 petition from Sensient Colors LLC seeking to allow butterfly pea flower extract. These approvals will be published in the federal register on May 12 and are set to take effect in June.

In an effort to enhance food safety, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary recently announced plans to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, primarily through voluntary compliance from the food industry. The officials also indicated intentions to revoke the authorization for two seldom-used artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, while accelerating the removal process for Red 3, a dye banned earlier this year due to its association with cancer in laboratory rats. The FDA is expected to initiate steps to revoke these colors in the coming months.