FDA Approves Three New Food Color Additives from Natural Sources
- Provision Consulting Group
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Published: May 16, 2025
Provision Consulting Group
On May 9, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved three new food color additives derived from natural sources, expanding the range of options available to food manufacturers seeking alternatives to synthetic dyes. This regulatory action is part of the FDA’s broader oversight of color additives under 21 CFR Part 73, which governs colorants exempt from certification.
Approved Color Additives
The newly approved color additives include:
1. Galdieria Extract Blue
Source: Galdieria sulphuraria, a species of red algae
Colors: blue
Approved Uses: Nonalcoholic beverages, dairy-based drinks, breakfast cereals, confections, frozen desserts, and yogurts
2. Butterfly Pea Flower Extract
Source: Dried petals of the butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea)
Colors: Bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens
Approved Uses: Ready-to-eat cereals, savory snacks such as crackers, pretzels, snack mixes, and chips
3. Calcium Phosphate (White Coloring Agent)
Source: Naturally occurring inorganic compound
Colors: White
Approved Uses: Coating in candies, doughnut sugar toppings, sugar-coated candies, and select poultry-based ready-to-eat products
Regulatory Significance
These approvals reflect the FDA agency’s proactive continued evaluation of color additive petitions in response to both industry innovation and consumer demand to protect the health of American families.
Industry Implications
Food companies formulating products for health-conscious or “clean label” consumers now have additional natural colorants to work with—particularly important for products targeting children, specialty diets, or retail partners with synthetic-dye restrictions.
Manufacturers using these colorants must ensure:
The use is within the approved categories
Labeling complies with FDA’s ingredient declaration regulations
Any claims related to color origin remain truthful and non-misleading
For full details, refer to the FDA’s official announcement here: FDA Approves Three Food Colors from Natural Sources
Provision work professionally while meeting clients' needs.
We will streamline the regulatory processes so that our clients can utilize their time
and money most efficiently.
Experience the best FDA approval directions and solutions!
If you have questions about FDA regulation,
Please CONTACT US
Office 1-909-493-3276
Email: ask@provisionfda.com