FDA approves three natural food colors

"For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks," HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said.

Published: May 9, 2025 12:01pm

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced its approval of three food colors from natural sources.

The approval follows Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s initiative to phase out petroleum-based food coloring.

“Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy said. “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 three approved colors are Galdieria extract blue, which is a blue color derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; Butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to make a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens; and Calcium phosphate, which is a white color.

“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 Commissioner Martin A. Makary said in a statement. “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.”

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