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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16296, Substances Generally Recognized as Safe
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is proposing to require the submission of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notices for the use of a human or animal food substance purported to be GRAS under the conditions of its intended use under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
2026-14073, Drug Establishment Registration and Drug Listing Requirements for Establishments Engaged in Distributed Manufacturing and Certain Foreign Establishments
The FDA wants to make it easier for drug makers who work in several locations to register as one company instead of many. They’re also updating rules for foreign drug companies to match new laws about handling health threats. If you’re in drug manufacturing, get ready to comment by September 11, 2026, and keep an eye on possible paperwork changes that could affect your business.
2026-13047, Establishment Registration and Product Listing for Tobacco Products
The FDA wants to make sure all tobacco product makers, both in the U.S. and abroad, register their businesses and list their products. This new rule closes a big gap by including foreign companies, helping the FDA keep better track of tobacco products for public health. Comments on this proposal are open until September 14, 2026, so affected businesses should get ready to update their info and possibly face new costs.
2025-04978, Nonprescription Drug Product With an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use
The FDA is delaying a new rule about nonprescription drugs that have extra conditions for use. Originally set to start on March 21, 2025, the rule’s start date is now pushed back to May 27, 2025, to allow more time for review. This affects drug makers and consumers by giving everyone extra time to prepare for the new requirements without any immediate cost changes.
2025-01840, Nonprescription Drug Product With an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use
The FDA’s new rule about nonprescription drugs needing extra conditions before use was set to start on January 27, 2025, but it’s now delayed until March 21, 2025. This delay follows a presidential order to pause and review new rules before they take effect. Drug makers, sellers, and consumers should note the new start date and get ready for the updated rules soon.
2026-20063, Request for Nominations for Voting Members of Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committees
The FDA is looking for smart, qualified people to join its advisory committees and help make important decisions about food and drugs. If you have the right skills, you can apply anytime, but get your nomination in by November 30, 2026, for the best chance at current openings. This is a great chance to influence public health without any cost to you!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05732, Listing of Color Additive Exempt From Certification; Beetroot Red; Delay of Effective Date
The FDA is hitting the pause button on the new rule that lets food makers use beetroot red as a color in most foods. This delay happens because some folks raised concerns, so the FDA needs more time to review before making it official. No money changes yet, but food companies and consumers will have to wait a bit longer for this colorful update.
Next: C1-2026-05113, Amendments to HAVANA Act of 2021 Implementation Rules
The Department of State fixed a deadline typo in the HAVANA Act rules, giving people affected until May 15, 2026, instead of March 16, 2026, to take action. This change helps anyone involved get more time to meet the rules without rushing. No new money changes, just a clearer and fairer timeline!