# Global transition to natural food colorants

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-transition-to-natural-food-colorants
> Updated: 2026-08-23T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The food industry is undergoing a transition from synthetic dyes to natural colorants, driven by consumer demand for transparency and clean labels. In the United States, the FDA has begun removing authorizations for certain synthetic dyes, such as Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2, as manufacturers abandon them in favor of natural alternatives. Major retailers and food companies have reported significant growth in natural colorant sales and have set goals to eliminate artificial dyes.

As this shift progresses, food safety experts are calling for increased monitoring of the transition. While the move toward natural ingredients is generally viewed positively, organizations like the Association for Accessible and Quality Food emphasize that natural origin does not guarantee safety. They urge rigorous scientific assessment of new substances—such as gardenia blue and safflower extract—to ensure purity and control for contaminants, heavy metals, and manufacturing solvents.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Food safety experts urge monitoring of natural colorant transition

The Association for Accessible and Quality Food urges Europe and Bulgaria to monitor the shift toward natural food colorants following new FDA petitions in the US regarding substances like gardenia blue.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-safety-experts-urge-monitoring-of-natural-colorant-transition

### 2026-08-03: FDA deletes approvals for two synthetic food dyes amid industry shift to natural colorants

The FDA removed approvals for synthetic dyes Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2, citing industry abandonment, as U.S. food sales shift toward natural colorants, prompting retailers and manufacturers to phase out art

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fda-deletes-approvals-for-two-synthetic-food-dyes-amid-industry-shift-to-natural-colorants

---
Cite as: Global transition to natural food colorants. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-transition-to-natural-food-colorants