WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 9, 2025 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today the approval of three new color additives derived from natural sources, marking a significant step in the federal government’s ongoing effort to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the U.S. food supply.
The move aligns with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which prioritizes removing artificial dyes from foods and replacing them with safer, naturally sourced alternatives.
“Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Kennedy. “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 FDA’s approvals come just weeks after a public commitment by both agencies to fast-track safer options. Food manufacturers nationwide have already begun aligning their products with the new guidance, pledging to phase out synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to that timeline. “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,” he said.
The three newly approved natural color additives include:
- Galdieria Extract Blue – A vibrant blue derived from the red algae Galdieria sulphuraria. Approved uses span a wide range of products including juices, dairy beverages, candies, yogurts, cereals, frostings, frozen desserts, and non-dairy alternatives. The petition was submitted by French biotechnology company Fermentalg.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Extract – A plant-based blue color that also yields purples and greens. Already approved for beverages and certain snacks, today’s ruling—filed by Sensient Colors LLC of St. Louis—extends its use to cereals, crackers, chips, and pretzels.
- Calcium Phosphate – A naturally white coloring now authorized for use in select ready-to-eat chicken items, white confectionery coatings, and powdered sugar toppings. The application was submitted by Innophos Inc., based in Cranbury, New Jersey.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all food color additives must be reviewed and approved by the FDA before they can be used. This process evaluates safety based on toxicological data, estimated human exposure, and other relevant scientific literature.
With these approvals, the FDA continues to encourage innovation and transparency in food manufacturing while supporting consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredients.
