'Natural' blue colour originates from spirulina

Related tags Senior vice president Color

Chr Hansen has launched a 'natural' blue shade of colourant that can be used in the manufacture of confectionery or chewing gum in the US. The colourant is based on spirulina: a blue-green algae that occurs naturally in tropical and sub-tropical lakes.

Spirulina provides bright vivid blue and green shades and can be used in various types of confectionery and chewing gum.

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of spirulina as a colourant in confectionery and chewing gum and the colour complies with federal regulation, according to Kurt Seagrist, senior vice president, natural colours, Chr Hansen.

He says: “Across Europe many food manufacturers are using spirulina to obtain vivid blue and green shades. They are declaring it as an ingredient in line with the forthcoming guidance note on colouring foodstuff soon to be released by the European Commission.

“In summary, the FDA approval follows current practice in Europe and consumers on both continents can soon enjoy vivid colours”.

Contact: Chr Hansen