Federal Register #2026-16939

FDA Notice: Petitions for Safflower Extract and Gardenia Blue as Food Color Additives

This notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, announces the filing of petitions for new food color additives. - Government Buyer: - Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services - OEMs and Vendors: - GNT USA, LLC (proposing safflower extract) - Gardenia Blue Interest Group (proposing gardenia blue) - Products/Services Requested: - Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extract as a color additive - Proposed for use in 17 food and beverage categories, including tortilla wraps, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, dairy desserts, candies, broths, and flavored syrups - Usage levels to follow good manufacturing practices - Gardenia (genipin) blue as a color additive - Expansion of safe use in various foods - Proposal to lower arsenic specification for the additive - Unique or Notable Requirements: - No specific part numbers or purchase quantities provided - Additives must be used at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices - Petition seeks regulatory amendment, not a procurement or purchase - Environmental assessment requirements are categorically excluded for this action

Description

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has filed a petition submitted by GNT USA, LLC., proposing to amend color additive regulations to allow the safe use of safflower extract as a color additive in various foods. The petition covers multiple food categories including tortilla wraps, beverages, cereals, chewing gum, pickles, frostings, dairy desserts, candies, broths, and flavored syrups, all at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices. The FDA states that this action is categorically excluded from environmental assessment requirements. The petition was filed on July 20, 2026.

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