FDA Proposes Expanding Use of Soy Leghemoglobin as Color Additive Major Change for Plant-Based Products

On March 14, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published document 2025-04034, proposing amendments to the regulations governing color additives. This proposal aims to broaden the use of soy leghemoglobin as a color additive in various food products.

The application was submitted by Impossible Foods, Inc., which seeks to modify the color additive regulations to allow the safe use of soy leghemoglobin in plant-based meat, poultry, and fish products, including both ground and whole cuts of meat. This change is expected to enhance the appeal and marketability of plant-based alternatives by improving their visual characteristics.

The FDA's proposal marks a significant step forward in the evolution of plant-based foods, reflecting the growing demand for innovative ingredients that can mimic traditional meat products. Stakeholders in the food industry should monitor this development closely, as it could reshape product formulations and consumer choices in the rapidly expanding plant-based market.