GNT seeks FDA approval for safflower-based food colors

GNT has filed a color additive petition with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for safflower-based colors across a range of food and beverage applications.

• GNT filed a color additive petition with the FDA seeking approval for safflower concentrate across multiple food and beverage categories in the USA.
• The filing followed nearly a decade of research and safety evaluation, supported by scientific data covering the concentrate’s proposed uses in foods and beverages.
• If approved, the water-soluble concentrate would give US manufacturers another plant-based yellow option with good stability across different pH, heat and light conditions.

Safflower, an edible plant capable of producing vibrant yellow shades, is already used as a source of color in other markets. GNT’s EXBERRY safflower concentrate is recognized as a Coloring Food in the European Union and has a long history of use in other parts of the world.

The company’s US petition covers proposed uses including beverages, confectionery, frozen desserts, dairy and non-dairy products, cereals, soups, dressings and pickled vegetables, alongside other selected applications.

GNT said the submission was backed by extensive safety data and scientific research developed to support the concentrate’s safe use in the proposed categories.

“This filing marks an important step in a long and rigorous process,” said Jeannette O’Brien, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at GNT USA. “Bringing a new color 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 color.”

“For safflower, that has meant significant investment and nearly a decade of research and safety evaluation.”

The petition will now be reviewed by the FDA, with any approval subject to the agency’s determination.

If cleared, safflower concentrate would expand the plant-based yellow color options available to US food and beverage manufacturers.

Its water solubility makes it particularly suited to beverages and other products where developers are looking for a clear yellow appearance. GNT said the concentrate also offers good stability across different pH levels and under heat and light exposure.

Safflower concentrate can additionally be combined with other plant-based colors to create shades including orange and green.

“Product developers need flexible color 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 colors to help manufacturers fine-tune a broad spectrum of bright, stable shades.”

GNT, which was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Mierlo, the Netherlands, supplies its EXBERRY range of plant-based colors to food and beverage manufacturers globally.

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