(WDNews) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today, May 9, 2025, the approval of three new color additive petitions, expanding the list of natural coloring options available for food manufacturers across the country.
The move supports U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative to phase out petroleum-based food dyes. The plan is part of the administration’s larger “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, aimed at improving the nation’s food supply.
“Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again,” said HHS 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.”
FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary echoed that commitment, stating, “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.”
The three newly approved color additives are:
Galdieria extract blue – A blue color derived from the red algae Galdieria sulphuraria. It was petitioned by French company Fermentalg and approved for use in a wide range of beverages and dairy products, frozen desserts, candy, breakfast cereals, whipped toppings, and more.
Butterfly pea flower extract – A plant-based blue color known for its ability to produce vibrant blues, purples, and greens. Already approved for several food categories, today’s approval expands its use to ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, snack mixes, chips, and pretzels. The petition came from Sensient Colors LLC, based in St. Louis.
Calcium phosphate – A white color approved for use in ready-to-eat chicken, candy melts, doughnut sugar, and candy coatings. The petition was submitted by Innophos Inc. of Cranbury, New Jersey.
The FDA clarified that under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all color additives must be reviewed and approved for safety before use. That process includes evaluating projected dietary exposure, toxicological data, and other relevant studies.
Once approved, any food manufacturer may begin using the newly authorized colorings in accordance with the approved conditions.
