The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new natural food colors, marking a significant step towards eliminating petroleum-based dyes. This initiative supports the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and aims to reduce health risks associated with synthetic dyes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a key regulatory agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has approved three new natural food colors, making a bold move towards eliminating synthetic, petroleum-based dyes in the food industry. This move aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which aims to transition away from harmful synthetic additives that pose health risks.
The newly approved natural color additives are Galdieria extract blue, derived from the red algae Galdieria sulphuraria, Butterfly pea flower extract, known for its vibrant blue, purple, and green hues, and Calcium phosphate, a white color approved for use in chicken products and sweets. These natural additives offer manufacturers a safer, healthier alternative to traditional synthetic dyes.
Secretary Kennedy emphasized the importance of this transition, noting, “For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks.” FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary expressed confidence in the agency’s commitment to accelerating the review process for new, safer color additives, ensuring that these meet stringent safety standards based on dietary exposure and toxicological data.
The move has garnered support from manufacturers, with many expressing a commitment to phase out synthetic dyes by the end of the year. This initiative marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to enhance public health and promote the use of natural ingredients in the food industry.
