Ultramarines
Ultramarine blue is permitted by FDA under 21 CFR 73.50 only as a color additive for use in salt intended for animal feed (limited to 0.5% by weight) and is listed under 21 CFR 73.2725 for external cosmetic use. It is NOT approved as a color additive for human food in the U.S.
What it is
Ultramarines are blue/violet/pink synthetic inorganic pigments composed of complex sodium aluminosilicate sulfides.
Color additive; in the U.S. only approved for animal feed (salt for animals) and external D&C use, NOT for human food.
Why it's flagged
- not approved for human food in the U.S.
- may contain trace heavy-metal contaminants
What regulators actually say
"21 CFR 73.50 authorizes ultramarine blue as a color additive for use in coloring salt intended for animal feed, not to exceed 0.5 percent by weight of the salt."
"FDA's Color Additive Status List documents permitted uses and restrictions; ultramarines are not listed for general human food use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
21 CFR 73.50: ultramarine blue approved only for use in salt intended for animal feed (≤0.5%), NOT for human food. 21 CFR 73.2725 for external cosmetic use.
European Union — EFSA
Not on EU positive list of food colors.
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