FDA eyes flower-powered blue food dye minus arsenic.
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 Gardenia Blue Interest Group (GBIG or petitioner), c/o Exponent, Inc., proposing that we amend our color additive regulations to expand the safe use of gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. The petition also proposes to lower the specification for arsenic in gardenia (genipin) blue.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lower Arsenic Limit in Gardenia Blue
The petition filed on 2026-08-04 also proposes lowering the specification for arsenic in gardenia (genipin) blue. If adopted, that would impose a stricter maximum arsenic contaminant level for this color additive.
Gardenia Blue Allowed in 20 Foods
You may see gardenia (genipin) blue used in many more foods because a petition filed on 2026-08-04 asks FDA to allow its use in 20 specific food categories at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. The categories listed include sponge cake; alcoholic mixed drinks; carbonated drinks; powdered beverages; processed breakfast cereals; chewing gum; instant iced tea; wasabi paste and powder; sugar coating; syrup for shaved ice; icing; creamers and whiteners; ice cream and frozen dairy desserts; frozen desserts (edible ices); gelatin, puddings, custards, and pie filling; jam, jellies, and marmalade; flavored milk and both flavored and unflavored yogurt; snack foods; fruit preparations, syrup, and toppings; and chewable tablets.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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