# 2026-02314: Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Spirulina Extract

2026-02314, Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Spirulina Extract, is a Federal Register rule from Health and Human Services Department, Food and Drug Administration published 2026-02-06, effective 2026-03-23 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02314
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-02314
- Title: Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Spirulina Extract
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Health and Human Services Department; Food and Drug Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 5291
- Published: 2026-02-06
- Effective: 2026-03-23
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## Summary

The FDA is giving a green light to use spirulina extract as a natural food color in most human foods, with safer limits on heavy metals like lead and mercury. This change helps food makers use a vibrant, plant-based color while keeping products safer. The new rules kick in on March 23, 2026, and anyone can raise concerns by March 9, 2026.

## Abstract

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending the color additive regulations to provide for the expanded use of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) extract as a color additive in human foods generally (except for infant formula, certain foods subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and foods for which standards of identity have been issued under section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless the use of the added color is authorized by such standards) at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice (GMP), to lower the heavy metal specifications for lead, arsenic, and mercury, and to add a specification for cadmium. We are taking this action in response to a color additive petition (CAP) submitted by GNT USA, LLC (GNT or petitioner).

## Effects PRIA read

- Spirulina allowed in most foods: benefit, low. The FDA now allows spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) extract to be used as a natural color in human foods generally at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice, effective March 23, 2026. It may not be used in infant formula, foods regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (meat, pou…
- Lower heavy-metal limits for safety: benefit, medium. The FDA set specific maximum contaminant limits for spirulina extract: lead not more than 0.2 mg/kg (0.2 ppm), arsenic not more than 0.3 mg/kg (0.3 ppm), mercury not more than 0.1 mg/kg (0.1 ppm), cadmium not more than 0.3 mg/kg (0.3 ppm), and the product must be negative for microcystin toxin. The…
- No spirulina in infant formula: benefit, low. The FDA specifically prohibits use of spirulina extract in infant formula under the final order effective March 23, 2026. Parents and caregivers should not expect infant formulas to contain this color additive.

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## Sources
- [2026-02314 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/06/2026-02314/listing-of-color-additives-exempt-from-certification-spirulina-extract)
- [2026-02314 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-06/pdf/2026-02314.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-02313, Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Beetroot Red](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02313)
- [Next: 2026-02319, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Beeville, TX](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02319)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-02314 (as of 2026-06-11).