FDA Allows Use of Spirulina Food Coloring in Candy and Chewing Gum

The Food and Drug Administration is amending its regulations on color additives to allow use of spirulina extract in candy and chewing gum. Effective Sept. 13, the blue-green coloring made from the dried biomass of the cyanobacteria A. platensis will be allowed provided certain conditions are met, including that the color additive not have any microcystin toxin. FDA’s action is in response to a petition filed by Mars, Inc. Written objections and hearing requests are due by Sept. 12.