"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved another naturally derived food dye on Monday, making good on one of its key promises in the effort to rid the US food system of petroleum-based synthetic dyes. 

The FDA approved the natural food color gardenia blue — made from the gardenia plant — for use in sports and fruit drinks, flavored waters, teas and candy. This follows the May approval of three other natural colors , and fulfills an April promise from the agency and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fast-track authorization of four new natural color additive

In April the FDA announced they would revoke authorization for two food dyes (Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B), and work with industry to eliminate six other synthetic dyes by the end of next year. 

“This expedited timeline underscores our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply,” FDA commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a statement. “By expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”"

Brian Bienkowski reports for The New Lede July 14, 2025. [2]