USA | EXBERRY colour supplier GNT has reached an important regulatory milestone after filing its safflower colour additive petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Safflower is an edible plant that can deliver vibrant yellow shades. The petition has sought approval for safflower-based colours to be used across a broad range of food and beverage categories in the United States.
EXBERRY safflower concentrate has been recognised as a Colouring Food in the European Union and has a long history of use across many other parts of the world.
The U.S. petition was supported by extensive safety data and scientific research developed to support the safe use of safflower concentrate in beverages, confections, frozen desserts, dairy and non-dairy applications, cereals, soups, dressings, pickled vegetables, and other select uses.
As with all colour additive petitions, the FDA conducts the review, and any outcome remains subject to the agency’s determination.
“This filing marks an important step in a long and rigorous process. Bringing a new colour additive petition to this stage takes deep technical understanding, comprehensive scientific work, and careful regulatory preparation to support the safety and intended use of the colour," said Jeannette O’Brien, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at GNT USA.
"For safflower, that has meant significant investment and nearly a decade of research and safety evaluation.”
If approved, safflower concentrate would provide a valuable addition to the plant-based yellow colour options available to U.S. food and beverage manufacturers.
Safflower concentrate offers numerous technical advantages, including good pH, heat, and light stability. Its water-soluble properties make it especially relevant for beverages and other applications where a clear yellow appearance is desired.
It can also be used in colour blends, helping manufacturers create shades including orange and green.
“Product developers need flexible colour options that can support different applications, processing conditions, and shade targets," said Alice Lee, Technical Marketing Manager at GNT USA.
"The value of safflower concentrate is not limited to yellow shades. Its water-soluble properties allow it to be used on its own or in blends with other plant-based colours to help manufacturers fine-tune a broad spectrum of bright, stable shades.”
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