FDA⁣ Approves⁤ natural⁤ Food Dyes, Advancing Petroleum-Based Dye‌ Phase-Out

⁣ Updated May 9, 2025
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved⁣ three new color ⁣additive petitions, expanding ⁢the range of natural colors available for ​use in food manufacturing. This decision supports ⁢the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)‍ initiative to ⁣phase out petroleum-based dyes in the nation’s food supply,as part of a ⁢broader effort to promote healthier food choices and improve public health.

HHS Secretary Robert ‍F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the importance of this step toward the initiative to Make America ​Healthy Again. He stated​ that the over-reliance on synthetic, petroleum-based⁣ dyes,⁢ which offer ⁢no nutritional value and may pose ⁤health risks,⁢ is being addressed by approving safer, natural alternatives.

Following the HHS and FDA announcement last month, several U.S. food manufacturers have pledged to eliminate synthetic dyes by the FDA’s ⁣deadline at‍ the end of next year.

FDA⁣ Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H., noted the agency’s‌ commitment to expediting the review and approval ‌of​ new color additives. He said the FDA is serious about transitioning away from petroleum-based dyes and providing new colors from natural sources.

The newly approved color additives include:

• galdieria ​extract blue: Derived from the unicellular ​red algae galdieria⁣ sulphuraria, this ⁢additive is approved for use in various ​products, including nonalcoholic beverages, dairy products, breakfast ⁤cereals, candies, and frozen desserts.The petition was submitted by Fermentalg, a French company.
• Butterfly pea⁣ flower extract: This ⁤blue color, which can create various‌ shades, is extracted from dried ⁢butterfly pea flower petals. Already approved for some ⁤uses,the FDA has​ now expanded its approved use to include ready-to-eat cereals,crackers,snack mixes,and certain types of chips,following a petition by Sensient Colors ​LLC,based in St. Louis.
• Calcium phosphate: This white color is now approved for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and sugar coatings for candies.Innophos Inc., of Cranbury, New‍ Jersey,⁢ filed the petition.

The FDA’s⁤ approval process for color additives involves a thorough ⁣safety assessment,as⁤ mandated by the Federal Food,Drug,and Cosmetic Act. This includes evaluating dietary exposure, toxicological​ data, and other relevant information to ensure the additive is⁢ safe ⁤for its intended uses. Once approved, any manufacturer can use the coloring for the⁢ approved applications.

What’s next

The FDA will continue ​to review and approve additional natural color additives, supporting the ongoing transition away from petroleum-based⁣ synthetic dyes ⁣in the‍ food supply. This effort aims to‌ provide manufacturers with a wider ⁤range of safe, natural options for coloring food products, ultimately ‌benefiting consumers.