Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

FDA Approves Gardenia Blue as Fourth Natural Dye, Presses Faster Red No. 3 Phase-Out

Expanding plant-based color options in foods, the FDA’s approval propels a federal effort to eliminate synthetic dyes by early 2027.

This photograph from Oct. 14, 2015 shows FDA offices in Maryland.
The Food and Drug Administration seal is seen before the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods. Additionally, ice cream could also be shedding artificial food dyes in years to come. 
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods. Additionally, ice cream could also be shedding artificial food dyes in years to come. 
Image

Overview

  • The agency cleared gardenia (genipin) blue for use in sports drinks, flavored waters, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas and hard and soft candy.
  • It is the fourth natural color additive approved since May, following Galdieria extract blue, calcium phosphate and butterfly pea flower extract.
  • FDA sent manufacturers a letter urging an accelerated phase-out of synthetic dye Red No. 3, advancing its removal ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
  • The FDA is reviewing a petition from the Gardenia Blue Interest Group to exempt the new dye from soy allergen labeling after the group asserted no soy protein remains in the final product.
  • About 40% of food manufacturers, including General Mills, Hershey and Kraft Heinz, have pledged to remove petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of 2026 under the MAHA initiative.