Thu, 24 Jul 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 Artificial food colours are out, so what's next?

Big food firms are phasing out artificial colours, so tech firms are rushing to fill the gap.

* French firm Fermentalg discovered a microalgae species called Galdieria sulphuraria, which produces a pigment called Galdieria blue.
* The pigment is suitable for use in food and drinks, and Fermentalg expects it to be on shop shelves by early next year.
* The FDA has approved Galdieria blue, along with other natural colorings, as part of its mission to phase out artificial dyes.
* Artificial food dyes are being phased out due to concerns over their health impacts, particularly for children.
* Food manufacturers are developing natural alternatives, but there may be challenges in matching the intensity and stability of synthetic colors.
* Companies such as WK Kellogg and Nestle have pledged to phase out artificial food colorings by 2026.
* The industry faces a "bottleneck" in production as demand for natural colors increases, but companies are working to comply with the deadline.
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