WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of gardenia (genipin) blue as a color additive in a range of food products, marking the fourth natural dye to gain approval in recent months as part of a broader national initiative to eliminate synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the food supply.
The FDA’s decision follows a petition submitted by the Gardenia Blue Interest Group (GBIG) and authorizes the use of gardenia blue in products such as sports drinks, flavored waters, fruit ades, ready-to-drink teas, and both hard and soft candies. The agency emphasized that the additive must be used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
This regulatory shift aligns with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s broader agenda to “Make America Healthy Again.” Since announcing a set of voluntary industry initiatives in April aimed at phasing out synthetic dyes, approximately 40% of the food industry has committed to removing such chemicals from their products.
“Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” said Secretary Kennedy. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first.”
Gardenia blue, derived from the fruit of the evergreen gardenia plant, joins three other natural colorants approved in May: galdieria extract blue from red algae, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary noted that the swift approval process reflects a commitment to transitioning away from artificial dyes. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes,” he said.
In addition to the new approval, the FDA issued a letter to food manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the removal of FD&C Red No. 3 from products, urging an earlier exit than the mandated January 15, 2027, deadline. The synthetic dye has long been under scrutiny due to health concerns, particularly regarding its use in foods consumed by children.
Consumer Brands, a national trade group for packaged goods producers, also announced its own initiative last week, pledging to encourage manufacturers to eliminate FD&C dyes from school-served foods by the 2026–2027 academic year.
The FDA’s decision represents a key milestone in a regulatory trend favoring natural ingredients and greater transparency in food labeling, as public pressure mounts to reduce children’s exposure to synthetic substances.
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