Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially amended its color additive regulations to permit the use of Gardenia (Genipin) Blue in a variety of food and beverage products, effective 29 August 2025. This approval follows a petition submitted by Exponent, Inc. on behalf of the Gardenia Blue Interest Group (GBIG). Derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, the additive is a natural alternative to synthetic dyes and can now be used in products such as sports drinks, flavored waters, fruit beverages, teas, and candies, under good manufacturing practices.

The move is part of a broader FDA initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes like FD&C Red No. 3, which has been linked to health concerns. Gardenia Blue is the fourth natural color additive approved in recent months, signaling a shift toward cleaner labeling and safer food ingredients. However, since soy protein is used in its production, the additive may require allergen labeling, pending a separate exemption request.

This regulatory change not only expands the palette of natural food colors available to manufacturers but also aligns with public health goals to reduce synthetic chemical exposure in the food supply.

Source
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