Safflower Turns Food Funky: FDA Color Petition Blooms
Published Date: 8/19/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing that we have filed a petition, submitted by GNT USA, LLC., c/o Exponent, Inc., proposing that we amend our color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extract as a color additive in various foods at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Petition to Allow Safflower Extract
On July 20, 2026, FDA filed a petition from GNT USA, LLC. asking to amend color additive rules to allow safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extract as a color additive. The petition seeks permission to use the extract, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices, in 17 food categories including tortilla wraps; alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages and beverage bases; colored extruded breakfast cereals; chewing gum; ready‑to‑drink tea and tea concentrates; pickles, relish, pickled jalapeños, banana pepper rings, and pepperoncini; sugar decorations, frostings (excluding chocolate), and marshmallows; ready‑to‑use salad dressings; frozen dairy desserts and mixes; shelf‑stable ice pops; fillings (excluding chocolate) and ready‑to‑eat gelatins and puddings; hard candy; flavored milk, milk shakes, flavored yogurt, yogurt drinks, and non‑dairy yogurt; soft candy and candy‑coated nuts; ready‑to‑use chicken and vegetable broth; and flavored syrups for beverages and desserts (excluding chocolate syrup).
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