US Approves Three New Natural Food Color Additives

On May 9, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the “Use of Three New Color Additives Derived from Natural Sources” to amend the 21 CFR color additives regulations.

The document summarizes the following:

• FDA has approved Galdieria extract blue, a natural color from red algae (Galdieria sulphuraria), for use in products like beverages, yogurts, candies, frozen desserts and more;
• Butterfly pea flower extract use is now extended to additional food categories including chips, cereals, crackers, etc;
• Calcium phosphate has been approved as a white color additive for ready-to-eat chicken, and in candies and coatings, etc; 
• These approvals were made in response to color additive petitions filed by Fermentalg (France), St. Louis-based Sensient Colors LLC (USA), and Innophos Inc. (USA);
• Under Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Section 721, Manufacturers can use the coloring for the approved uses once the FDA approves a color additive petition.