Color Additive
Spirulina Extract
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Spirulina Extract is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #162 of 417.
- #162 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Spirulina Extract is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #162 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (61st percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- Approved
- FDA status
- #162 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Spirulina Extract: 47 tracked U.S. products (moderate band, #162 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 47 · #162 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | - | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Spirulina Extract?
Natural blue-green from spirulina algae.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Growing as synthetic dye alternative.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a moderate OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (47 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spirulina Extract safe to consume?
Spirulina Extract scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a moderate additive (47 tracked products, #162 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Spirulina Extract used for in food?
Spirulina Extract shows up as Candy, frozen desserts, beverages in the Color Additive class, and the OFF sample puts it in the moderate footprint band (47 products).
Where does Spirulina Extract sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #162 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Spirulina Extract?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Spirulina Extract: Safe. Growing as synthetic dye alternative.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.