FDA approves beetroot red food dye in latest MAHA push

The FDA approved beetroot red as a new food color and expanded permitted use of spirulina extract, part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s initiative to reduce petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved beetroot red as a new food color and broadened the approved uses of spirulina extract. Officials frame these changes as part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to move away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes. The agencies and industry groups say the new and expanded natural color options can be used in products such as yogurt, ice cream, salad dressings, meat products, soft drinks and candies. The move follows earlier approvals of other naturally derived colors and public discussion about potential health concerns linked to some synthetic dyes. Key details: - The FDA approved beetroot red and expanded allowable uses of spirulina extract, increasing the range of naturally derived color options. - The announcements bring the total number of new color options approved by the administration to six, including gardenia blue, galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate. - Officials said the changes aim to make it easier for companies to phase out petroleum-based synthetic colors and to adopt alternatives; the Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Kyle Diamantas, was cited on the agency's efforts to facilitate this transition. - The article mentions that several food companies have made commitments or changes, including Mars Wrigley North America, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, The Hershey Company, McCormick & Co., J.M. Smucker and Nestlé USA. - Researchers reported last year that synthetic dyes were found in about one in five packaged food and drink products in the U.S., while the National Confectioners Association said that finding had gaps not supported by data. - Experts cited in coverage say a full industry shift away from synthetic dyes could take three to four years because of agricultural and production scaling needs. Summary: The FDA's approvals add to a series of natural color authorizations intended to reduce reliance on petroleum-based synthetic dyes and give manufacturers alternative options. Industry commitments and company changes have been reported, but experts say a complete market transition could take several years. Undetermined at this time.