French firm Fermentalg is producing a new natural food pigment, Galdieria blue, as alternatives to artificial food dyes face increasing scrutiny and regulation in the US.

• Galdieria blue was approved by the FDA in May 2023, alongside other natural colors, as part of a move to eliminate synthetic dyes.
• Hywel Griffiths, chief scientific officer at Fermentalg, emphasizes that these new colors will be commercially available in early 2024.
• Major food companies like Kellogg's and Nestle are committing to phase out artificial colors by 2026, responding to consumer demand for natural alternatives.