EXBERRY® colour supplier GNT has reached an important regulatory milestone after filing its safflower colour additive petition with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The petition seeks approval for safflower-based colours to be used across a broad range of food and beverage categories in the United States.
Safflower is an edible plant that can be used to deliver vibrant yellow shades. EXBERRY® safflower concentrate is recognised as a Colouring Food in the European Union and has a long history of use across many other parts of the world.
Expanding plant-based colour options
The US petition is supported by extensive safety data and scientific research developed to support the safe use of safflower concentrate in beverages, confectionery, frozen desserts, dairy and non-dairy applications, cereals, soups, dressings, pickled vegetables and other selected uses.
As with all colour additive petitions, the review will be conducted by the FDA, with any outcome remaining subject to the agency’s determination.
Jeannette O’Brien, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at GNT USA, said: “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.
“For safflower, that has meant significant investment and nearly a decade of research and safety evaluation.”
If approved, safflower concentrate would provide an additional plant-based yellow colour option for US food and beverage manufacturers seeking alternatives for a variety of applications.
Technical flexibility across applications
Safflower concentrate offers several technical advantages, including good pH, heat and light stability. Its water-soluble properties make it particularly relevant for beverages and other products where a clear yellow appearance is required.
The concentrate can also be used as part of colour blends, helping manufacturers create a broader range of shades, including orange and green.
Alice Lee, Technical Marketing Manager at GNT USA, said: “Product developers need flexible colour options that can support different applications, processing conditions and shade targets.
“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.”
