WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new color additives derived from natural sources, marking a significant development in the effort to phase out petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply. This decision aligns with a broader push by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to foster healthier food manufacturing practices and protect public health.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. underscored the importance of this initiative in his statement, “Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again. For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks. We’re removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives—to protect families and support healthier choices.”
The move is part of the administration’s larger “Make America Healthy Again” strategy and builds on commitments from U.S. food manufacturers to eliminate petroleum-based dyes by the end of next year.
Details of the Approved Color Additives
The FDA’s approval encompasses three distinct natural color additives, expanding the palette of safe, plant-based options available to manufacturers:
- Galdieria Extract Blue
Derived from Galdieria sulphuraria, a unicellular red algae, this color offers vibrant blue shades. Approved uses include beverages, breakfast cereals, candies, ice cream, flavored milks, and non-dairy whipped toppings. French company Fermentalg submitted the petition. - Butterfly Pea Flower Extract
Created by water-extracting dried petals of the butterfly pea flower, this additive produces versatile shades ranging from blue to purple to green. Already approved for beverages and candies, its uses now extend to ready-to-eat cereals, pretzels, snack chips, and crackers. The petition was submitted by Sensient Colors LLC, based in St. Louis. - Calcium Phosphate
A naturally derived white color, calcium phosphate is now cleared for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and sugar for coated candies. Innophos Inc. of Cranbury, N.J., filed this petition.
These approvals demonstrate the FDA’s commitment to supporting a transition toward natural colorings in foods while ensuring their safety for human consumption.
Ensuring Safety Standards
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all color additives must undergo thorough FDA evaluation to confirm their safety before they are authorized for use in food. The FDA’s approval process evaluates dietary exposure, toxicological data, and other scientific information to assess potential risks. Once approved, the additives can be used broadly within their specified applications.
FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H., highlighted the agency’s swift action to meet its commitments. “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 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.”
Broader Implications for Food Manufacturing
The FDA’s decision sends a clear message to food manufacturers about the future of food safety and production standards. By approving these natural alternatives, the agency is fostering healthier ingredients while encouraging industry innovation. The removal of petroleum-based dyes not only declines potential health risks but also appeals to a growing consumer demand for cleaner, more transparent labeling in food products.
Looking Ahead
This milestone marks significant progress in the FDA’s broader effort to enhance the safety and integrity of the U.S. food supply. By accelerating the transition to natural food dyes, the agency is taking proactive steps to protect public health while providing manufacturers with viable, innovative alternatives.
Moving forward, the FDA is expected to expedite its review of additional natural color additive petitions, aiming to continue this transformation and encourage industry compliance with looming deadlines. This shift underscores the commitment to ensuring both the safety and nutritional quality of food products, benefiting consumers and producers alike.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.