Overview

• Gardenia blue is cleared for use in sports drinks, flavored non-carbonated waters, fruit beverages, ready-to-drink teas and hard and soft candies under the Make America Healthy Again initiative.
• The FDA is reviewing a petition from the Gardenia Blue Interest Group to exempt soy protein hydrolysate from allergen labeling requirements for the new additive.
• This approval follows May authorizations of galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate for use in cereals, snacks and frozen desserts.
• FDA letters sent on July 14 encourage food manufacturers to accelerate the phase-out of Red No. 3 ahead of its 2027–28 removal deadline.
• Major companies including General Mills, Hershey and Kraft Heinz, along with the Consumer Brands Association, have pledged to eliminate synthetic dyes from products and public school meals by the 2026–27 school year.