FRIDAY, May 9, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of three new color additives, a move that will provide manufacturers with a wider range of color options from natural sources that can be safely used in food.
The approvals align with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s priority of phasing out petroleum-based dyes in the national food supply.
Last month's announcement from the HHS and FDA regarding the discontinuation of petroleum-based food dyes has led to an increased commitment from U.S. food manufacturers. They have pledged to remove these dyes by the FDA deadline of the end of 2026.
The following three color additives have been approved: Galdieria extract blue, derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria, and approved for use in nonalcoholic beverages and beverage bases, cereals, candies, ice creams, yogurts, and creamers; butterfly pea flower extract, produced through the water extraction of the dried flower petals of the butterfly pea plant, and approved for use in a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, candies, ice creams, and snacks such as crackers, chips, and pretzels; and calcium phosphate, approved for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, candies, and doughnuts.
"On April 22, I said the FDA would soon approve several new color additives and would accelerate our review of others. I'm pleased to report that promises made have been promises kept," FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement. "FDA staff have been moving quickly to expedite the publication of these decisions, underscoring our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based dyes in the food supply and provide new colors from natural sources."
The approvals of Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate were granted to French company Fermentalg, St. Louis-based Sensient Colors, and Innophos of Cranbury, New Jersey, respectively.
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