FDA Pauses Spirulina's Glow-Up as Food Coloring Option
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Rule
Summary
The FDA is hitting the pause button on the new rules about using spirulina extract as a food color. This delay affects food makers who were ready to use spirulina more widely but now have to wait because some folks asked for a review. No safety worries yet, but the new rules won’t kick in until the FDA sorts things out, so no changes or costs happen just yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Spirulina color use delayed indefinitely
The FDA delayed the effective date of its February 6, 2026 final order that would have allowed expanded use of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) extract as a color additive in human foods generally (except infant formula, certain USDA-regulated foods, and foods with standards of identity). As of March 20, 2026 the rule is delayed indefinitely and will not take effect until the FDA announces a new effective date.
New heavy-metal specs also put on hold
The FDA's February 6, 2026 order would have lowered specifications for lead, arsenic, and mercury and would have added a specification for cadmium in spirulina extract (see 21 CFR 73.530). Those specification changes are delayed indefinitely as of March 20, 2026 and are not in effect until the FDA takes further action.
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