Spirulina
Spirulina/spirulina extract is a permitted natural food ingredient. FDA approved spirulina extract as a color additive in 2013 (21 CFR 73.530).
What it is
Dried biomass of cyanobacteria (Arthrospira platensis or A. maxima); used as food, supplement, and natural blue color (phycocyanin extract).
Source of protein and pigments; spirulina extract is FDA-approved as a blue color additive exempt from certification.
Why it's flagged
- potential microcystin contamination if not purity-controlled
What regulators actually say
"Spirulina extract... may be safely used to color candy (including chewing gum, mints, hard and soft candy and similar confections, including those that contain other coloring including titanium dioxide), gum, ice cream and frozen desserts..."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Spirulina extract approved as color additive exempt from certification under 21 CFR 73.530.
European Union — EFSA
Conventional food/novel food ingredient with positive history of safe use; spirulina concentrate authorized as a coloring food.
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