Final Rules: Food Additives and Color Additives

Petition(s): CAP 4C0334

Petitioner:	GNT USA, LLC
Docket number (legacy and/or former docket number(s)):	FDA-2024-C-3384
Subject additive and intended use:	amending the color additive regulations to provide for the expanded use of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) extract as a color additive in human foods generally (except for infant formula, certain foods subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and foods for which standards of identity have been issued under section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless the use of the added color is authorized by such standards) at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice (GMP), to lower the heavy metal specifications for lead, arsenic, and mercury, and to add a specification for cadmium.
21 CFR* affected:	73.530; Spirulina extract.
Federal Register publication history:	Aug 5, 2024; 89 FR 63330; Notication of petition
	Feb 6, 2026; 91 FR 5291; Final amendment; order.†; Effective date: Mar 23, 2026

† Objections may be submitted until March 9, 2026; any objections could stay the regulations.

21 CFR: Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Substance: The name of the substance listed in the CFR.
CAS Registry® No.: Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registry Number® for the substance.
Petitions (see also Questions and Answers About the Petition Process)
- FAP: Food Additive Petition
- CAP: Color Additive Petition
- GRP: GRAS Affirmation Petition (replaced by GRAS Notification Program in 1998)