An innovative safflower shade of colouring has taken a step closer to becoming a reality for the GNT group, as it filed for its use in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), writes Neill Barston.

The Netherlands-headquartered business recognised the potential for the colour, which has already been accepted in the EU- including for use within gummies, and elsewhere in products around the world, yet has not been formally recognised in America. 

As the company explained, Safflower is an edible plant that can be used to deliver vibrant yellow shades. Its Exberry safflower concentrate is recognised as a Coloring Food in the European Union and has a long history of use across many other parts of the world.

The U.S. petition is 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 color additive petitions, review is conducted by the FDA and any outcome remains subject to the agency’s determination. ​ But it is hoped that the colour can be used in a wide range of applications including within confectionery series. 

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

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 as part of color blends, helping manufacturers create shades including orange and green.

Alice Lee, Technical Marketing Manager at GNT USA, said: “Product developers need flexible color 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 colors to help manufacturers fine-tune a broad spectrum of bright, stable shades.”