GNT has hailed the Natural Food Colours Association (NATCOL)’s Code of Practice for Coloring Foods in Europe as an “important milestone” for the industry. 

The Code of Practice for the classification, manufacturing, use and labeling of Coloring Foods in the EU provides clear support for coloring ingredients made from edible fruit, vegetables and plants.

It covers principles of classification, source materials, manufacturing, quality control and safety, including labeling and use requirements and distinctions between Coloring Foods and color additives.

It is also designed to ensure transparency and harmonization of practices across the industry and consistency of interpretation for all operators.

The move is in line with Innova Market Insights’ Top Trend for 2021, “Transparency Triumphs.”

NATCOL has developed a Code of Practice to support manufacturers better understand the EU provisions that govern Coloring Foods. (Credit: GNT)Natural colors spotlighted 
NATCOL represents the international interests of companies and associations providing Coloring Foods as well as natural food colors.

As a key manufacturer of Coloring Foods and a NATCOL member, GNT has played an instrumental role in developing and supporting the Code.

“We are delighted that NATCOL has published this Code of Practice, which provides support for producers and users of Coloring Foods alike. This is not only significant for the European market but will also serve as best practice to support the further global regulatory development of Coloring Foods, says Silke Fallah, GNT’s global regulatory affairs manager.

Paul Collins, GNT’s director of international sales and marketing, says that the company is proud to have worked alongside NATCOL to develop this Code of Practice. “We see it as a key step forward for GNT and our Exberry Coloring Foods product range.”

Breaking down the Code of Practice 
NATCOL believes that active use of the Code of Practice will provide clarity and a common understanding for all stakeholders.The Code of Practice is intended as a business-to-business support tool for food industry producers and users of Colouring Foods on the European market.

It must be read in conjunction with the EU and appropriate national legislation, particularly Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 16, 2008, on food additives, especially Recital 5, Article 3 (2) (a) and Annex I (2) of this Regulation.

The Code reflects NATCOL’s members’ experience and prevailing principles relating to Coloring Foods’ classification, manufacturing, use and labeling.

It is also inspired by the principles laid out in the European Commission Guidance Notes on classifying food extracts with coloring properties of 2013.

This Code is based on the relevant EU regulatory framework and describes the following:

• Principles of the classification, source materials, manufacturing, quality and safety of Colouring Foods.
• Considerations for the use of Colouring Foods in food and drink applications.
• Labeling of Colouring Foods for Business to Business supply, including documentation requirements in Annex B and finished products, with examples for the labeling on the ingredients list.
• Updated “NATCOL source Reference Values (2021)” that are commonly relied upon by the industry included in Annex A of this Code.
• Decision tree on distinguishing between a Colouring Food and a Colour Additive in Annex C of this Code.

NATCOL believes that active use of the Code of Practice will provide clarity and a common understanding for all stakeholders and maintain consumer trust and a variety of choices.