FDA Approves 3 NEW Natural Food Dyes! Are Artificial Colors Finally OUT?

2025-05-10 06:00:55.287

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new natural color additives: Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate. This move, driven partly by initiatives to phase out petroleum-based dyes, expands the range of natural color options for food manufacturers. While lauded by some as a step towards healthier food, concerns remain. The Environmental Working Group, while welcoming the FDA's action, criticized the agency's failure to ban other potentially harmful food additives. The shift to natural colors presents challenges for manufacturers, including higher costs and potential instability of natural dyes compared to artificial counterparts. Natural colors can be more expensive and less stable, especially under heat processing or acidic conditions. Consumer preference for vibrant colors also presents a hurdle. Experts emphasize the need for caution, noting that "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe." Further research is needed to fully assess the long-term health effects of these new natural dyes. Despite these challenges, the move signifies a growing trend towards natural food additives and a potential reduction in artificial colors in the food supply.