The FDA announced Friday that it’s approving three new food color additives derived from natural sources. This exciting development comes on the heels of a push to phase out petroleum-based dyes from our food supply, a move championed by health officials concerned about the potential health impacts of artificial coloring. The three newly approved colors include a vibrant blue from algae (galdieria extract blue), a clean white from a mineral (calcium phosphate), and another striking blue from butterfly pea flower extract.
These natural alternatives will soon be gracing a wide array of food products, from the familiar – fruit drinks and yogurt – to the unexpected – pretzels, ready-to-eat chicken, and even candies. The FDA believes this expansion of natural color options will provide manufacturers with more choices for creating vibrant and appealing food products while minimizing the use of artificial ingredients.
The push for natural food coloring has been fueled by ongoing concerns about the potential effects of artificial dyes on children’s health. While the FDA has long maintained that approved artificial dyes are safe, some studies have linked them to neurobehavioral problems, such as hyperactivity and attention issues in some children. This new approval signifies a step towards addressing these concerns and offering consumers more natural alternatives.
This decision follows the April announcement by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to eliminate synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026, largely through voluntary industry efforts. This comprehensive plan also includes the revocation of authorization for two little-used artificial dyes, Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and an accelerated removal timeline for Red 3, recently linked to cancer in laboratory rats. The FDA plans to begin the process of revoking these dyes in the coming months.
The petitions for the three new natural colors were submitted over the past few years by various companies, including Fermentalg (galdieria extract blue), Innophos Inc. (calcium phosphate), and Sensient Colors LLC (butterfly pea flower extract). The approvals are slated for publication in the Federal Register on May 12th, with the new colors becoming available for use in June. This move represents a significant shift towards a healthier and more naturally colored food landscape.
