FDA OKs Natural Dyes

The Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved three new natural food color additives: galdieria extract blue (a blue color derived from algae), calcium phosphate (a white color from minerals), and butterfly pea flower extract (a blue color from dried petals).

The new dyes will be available for use in products like yogurt, beverages, pretzels, candies, and even ready-to-eat chicken, offering manufacturers more plant- and mineral-based choices (see breakdown). The change, effective next month, reflects the FDA's broader shift away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which have drawn scrutiny over potential behavioral effects in children. While the FDA maintains most artificial dyes are safe, consumer advocacy groups and public health experts have long pushed for more natural alternatives in the nation's food supply.

The announcement follows the FDA's plans to phase out eight artificial dyes, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, from food and medications by the end of 2026. The FDA also plans to phase out Red No. 3 from food by January 2027.