WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it has approved three food colors from natural sources to replace commonly used synthetic food dyes.
The announcement comes about two weeks after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he plans to eliminate petroleum-based dyes from foods and medicines by the end of 2026.
“Today, we take a major step to Make America Health Again,” Kennedy said in a statement. “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 those dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives to protect families and support healthier choices.”
The three color additives the FDA approved include a blue color derived from red algae for use in nonalcoholic beverages, including fruit juices and yogurt drinks; a blue color derived from butterfly pea flower extract for use in sport drinks, alcoholic beverages, gums, candies and ice creams; and the white color calcium phosphate for use in ready-to-eat chicken products, doughnut sugar and coated candies.
In a statement Friday, the FDA said the newly authorized natural color additives can be used by any manufacturer for approved uses.
In March, Kennedy met with Tyson Foods, General Mills, Kraft Heinz and the Consumer Brands Association to discuss removing synthetic dyes from foods.
The Consumer Brands Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the FDA’s natural color approvals.
In April, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said he planned to authorize four color additives using natural ingredients in the coming weeks and to accelerate the approval of other natural colors.
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