EXBERRY® color supplier GNT has reached an important regulatory milestone after filing its safflower color additive petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The petition seeks approval for safflower-based colors 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 recognized 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. ​

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 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.”

If approved, safflower concentrate would provide a valuable addition to the plant-based yellow color 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 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.”