U.S. regulators announced the approval of three new natural color additives for the food supply, allowing manufacturers to use them in various products such as fruit drinks, yogurt, and candies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is endorsing galdieria extract blue (derived from algae), calcium phosphate (from a natural mineral), and butterfly pea flower extract (made from dried petals). This move is part of a broader effort to phase out petroleum-based dyes currently used in numerous foods, following health officials’ concerns about potential neurobehavioral issues in children related to artificial dyes.
Health advocates have long pushed for the elimination of synthetic dyes, arguing they may contribute to problems like hyperactivity and attention deficits in some children. While decades of FDA research maintain that approved dyes are safe and have no adverse effects on most children, this new regulation aims to expand the palette of colors available from natural sources.
The new approvals stem from petitions by various companies: a 2021 request from Fermentalg for galdieria extract blue, a 2023 petition from Innophos Inc. for calcium phosphate, and a 2024 submission from Sensient Colors LLC for butterfly pea flower extract. These approvals will be published in the federal register on May 12 and become effective in June.
In related news, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary announced plans to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026, largely through voluntary industry efforts. They will also revoke authorizations for two rarely used artificial dyes and expedite the process to remove another linked to cancer risk.
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