WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDNews) – A new naturally sourced food coloring known as galdieria extract blue has just received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safe use in a wide variety of foods and beverages.
The color additive IS derived from Galdieria sulphuraria, a species of red microalgae. It was developed by French biotech company Fermentalg.
This extract contains C-phycocyanin, the same vibrant blue pigment found in spirulina, and has now been officially listed under the FDA’s approved color additives exempt from certification.
Beginning June 26, 2025, food manufacturers will be permitted to use galdieria extract blue in items like smoothies, juices, flavored milks, yogurt drinks, ice cream, candies, baked goods, whipped toppings and even water ices.
This color additive joins a growing list of natural alternatives to synthetic dyes, with the added advantage of being produced in enclosed fermentation tanks, minimizing environmental contaminants and improving purity.
The FDA’s safety review found no signs of toxicity, genetic mutation or allergenicity in studies submitted by the manufacturer. In fact, the extract proved safe even at doses far higher than what people would realistically consume through food.
The agency concluded that galdieria extract blue presents no harm when used within expected levels in common food items.
The extract must meet strict limits on heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, and its labeling will need to meet all standard FDA regulations.
While approved for many food categories, galdieria extract blue cannot be used in foods that have specific federal standards of identity (like cheddar cheese or ketchup), unless those standards explicitly allow added coloring.
