In a significant development for the food industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved three petitions concerning color additives. This decision aligns with the agency's broader initiative to eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, replacing them with natural options. The newly approved colorings include Galdieria extract blue, Butterfly pea flower extract, and Calcium phosphate, each designed for specific food applications. These approvals reflect the FDA's commitment to ensuring consumer safety while promoting sustainable alternatives in food production.
On May 9, 2025, the FDA made strides toward its goal of phasing out artificial dyes by approving three new color additive petitions under Section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This section mandates that all color additives, unless exempt from batch certification, undergo rigorous safety evaluations before being permitted for use in food products. In this case, the agency conducted comprehensive assessments based on projected human dietary exposure, toxicological data, and other pertinent information.
Galdieria extract blue has been cleared for an extensive range of food items, including nonalcoholic beverages, fruit juices, dairy-based smoothies, yogurt drinks, milkshakes, flavored milks, breakfast cereal coatings, various candies, chewing gum, and frozen desserts. Its approval marks a pivotal step in offering safer, plant-based alternatives to synthetic dyes commonly used in these products.
Additionally, Butterfly pea flower extract, already recognized for its versatility, now extends its application to ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, snack mixes, pretzels, potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, and multigrain chips. This expansion underscores the additive’s potential as a vibrant and safe substitute for synthetic coloring agents in savory snacks.
Calcium phosphate also received approval for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and sugar coatings for candies. This development highlights the additive’s suitability as a replacement for synthetic dyes in both sweet and savory food categories.
With these approvals, the FDA continues to push forward its agenda of transitioning the food industry away from artificial coloring agents. Manufacturers are encouraged to adopt these newly approved natural alternatives to ensure compliance with upcoming regulatory changes. By doing so, they can meet consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food choices while maintaining product appeal through attractive coloration.