Gardenia Blue for Food: FDA Petition Lowers Arsenic, Expands Palette
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.
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.
2026-16943, International Association of Color Manufacturers; Filing of Color Additive Petition
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing that we have filed a petition, submitted by the International Association of Color Manufacturers, proposing that we amend our color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of acetone as a solvent in the manufacture of carrot oil. The petition also proposes to add heavy metal limits and secondary names for carrot oil. FDA may also consider other changes to the regulation, as appropriate, during the course of our review.
2026-16939, GNT USA, LLC.; Filing of Color Additive Petition
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.
2026-16942, Food Additives Permitted in Feed and Drinking Water of Animals; Chromium DL-methionine Chelate
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, we, or the Agency) is amending the regulations for food additives permitted in feed and drinking water of animals to provide for the safe use of chromium DL- methionine chelate as a nutritional source of chromium in cattle feed. This action is in response to a food additive petition filed by Zinpro Corp.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16943, International Association of Color Manufacturers; Filing of Color Additive Petition
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing that we have filed a petition, submitted by the International Association of Color Manufacturers, proposing that we amend our color additive regulations to provide for the safe use of acetone as a solvent in the manufacture of carrot oil. The petition also proposes to add heavy metal limits and secondary names for carrot oil. FDA may also consider other changes to the regulation, as appropriate, during the course of our review.
Next: 2026-16979, Adjusting Imports of Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Components Into the United States