The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three new color additives from natural sources, signaling a major step in the federal effort to eliminate petroleum-based dyes from the American food supply.

The move, announced last week in a news release, aligns with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to "Make America Healthy Again," a sweeping public health initiative that includes phasing out synthetic food dyes. In a statement, Kennedy said the decision underscores the administration's commitment to safer, more nutritious food.

"Today we take a major step to Make America Healthy Again," Kennedy said in the release. "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."

FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary said the agency is keeping its promise to fast-track reviews of safer, plant- or mineral-based coloring agents.

"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," Makary said. "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."

The three new FDA-approved food colors are:

• Galdieria extract blue, derived from the red algae Galdieria sulphuraria, approved for a wide range of products including beverages, dairy-based smoothies, frozen desserts, breakfast cereals, candies, puddings and non-dairy whipped toppings. The petition was filed by Fermentalg, a biotechnology company based in France.

• Butterfly pea flower extract, a natural blue derived through water extraction from dried petals of the butterfly pea plant, known for producing vibrant blue, purple and green hues. Previously approved for use in drinks, yogurt and candy, the expanded approval — filed by Sensient Colors LLC of St. Louis — allows its use in cereals, crackers, snack mixes, chips and pretzels.

• Calcium phosphate, a white color additive now approved for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, candy melts, doughnut sugars and candy coatings. The petition was submitted by Innophos Inc., based in Cranbury, New Jersey.

The FDA reviews color additive petitions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Each substance is evaluated for safety based on toxicological data, estimated dietary exposure, and supporting scientific literature. Once a color additive is approved, any food manufacturer can incorporate it into products within the specified uses.

Last month, HHS and the FDA announced a national commitment to remove petroleum-based dyes by the end of 2026. In the weeks since, several food manufacturers have pledged to comply with the agency's timeline.
For more information, visit www.fda.gov.