St. Louis, MO – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved a new natural color additive for foods while urging faster removal of synthetic dyes, marking a significant step for food safety in Missouri and nationwide.
According to the FDA, Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s petition to use gardenia (genipin) blue in a wide variety of foods was approved Monday, allowing the natural colorant in sports drinks, teas, candies, and more at safe levels. The approval comes amid an ongoing push to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes—especially FD&C Red No. 3—by 2027, with the agency encouraging manufacturers to move even more quickly.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a statement that expanding natural color options, including gardenia blue, will help food producers replace petroleum-based synthetic dyes with safer alternatives. “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply,” Makary said.
The move aligns with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. According to HHS, since April, about 40 percent of the food industry has voluntarily committed to begin removing synthetic dyes. Secretary Kennedy highlighted the importance of protecting children from unnecessary synthetic chemicals in food.
The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue follows recent endorsements for other naturally derived colors, such as galdieria extract blue and butterfly pea flower extract. Under current law, all food color additives must be FDA-approved, with safety determined through scientific review of dietary exposure and toxicological data.
On Friday, the Consumer Brands Association announced a voluntary commitment to remove synthetic FD&C colors from foods served in schools by the 2026–2027 school year, further accelerating the transition in the Midwest and across the U.S.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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