There’s a “pretty good body of literature” suggesting that these three new color additives — called Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate — should be safe, especially in the small amounts used to dye foods, said Jamie K. Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday it has granted three new color additive petitions to expand the available colors from natural sources.