12/06/09 Two key factors are prompting Cognis to put the spotlight on its Betatene natural mixed carotenoids at the year’s biggest event for food and beverage formulators and manufacturers.  At the 2009 IFT Food Expo, Cognis announced that Betatene is now self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food and beverage applications. Cognis, the No.1 global supplier of natural beta-carotene, is also promoting  Betatene as a natural colorant composed of high concentration, algae-based natural carotenoids in water dispersible powders and oils. 

Cognis successfully completed its GRAS process in which a panel of independent experts has certified that Betatene is safe for use in baked, egg, and dairy products; cereals; gelatins and puddings; processed fruits and juices; processed vegetables and juices; snacks; soups; fats and oils; meal replacements, and medical foods.

Laura Troha, Marketing Manager, Cognis Nutrition & Health, explained that products with Betatene have the allowed use of “Natural Beta-Carotene” on the ingredient list and may carry these valuable labeling advantages:

• Natural and safe source of vitamin A
• Rich source of Vitamin A or Excellent Source of Vitamin A
• Helps Maintain Healthy Immune System
• Helps Maintain Healthy Skin

She pointed out that manufacturers now get a double bonus with Betatene, an ingredient that is GRAS and that also can be used as a natural colorant. “It used to be that color mainly affected the perception of a food’s appeal, but now consumers are increasingly concerned about the health risks of certain synthetic colorants prompting food manufacturers to find alternative sources for natural colors.”
 
Market research suggests that color is a leading factor influencing how a food or beverage appeals to consumers.  And, the source of that color, whether it’s natural or synthetic, is expected to impact food sales in the coming years.  Consumer interest in natural colors is being driven by the overall demand for natural, “eco-friendly” products and scientific reports which suggest that certain synthetic colors may adversely impact a child’s behavior.

At its IFT booth, Cognis showcased a vivid color spectrum, from deep reds to clear yellows, to demonstrate the range of options possible with Betatene natural mixed carotenoids.  Cognis is encouraging food and beverage manufacturers to explore the benefits of replacing existing color systems with truly natural ones. As food manufacturers move to include more natural colors, Cognis is working to help them address challenges that occur with transitions to new formulations.  Technological advancements have made Betatene a stable and versatile colorant for a variety of applications.  Foods and beverages with Betatene as a natural colorant may include these labeling statements:

• A natural and safe source of vitamin A
• Added color from natural-beta-carotene or Colored with natural beta-carotene
• Naturally derived, not synthetic
• Made with no synthetic colorants

“We are pleased to offer functional food companies a dual bonus with this natural blend of five key dietary carotenoids that deliver health benefits and can naturally enhance the color of a broad range of foods and beverages,” Ms. Troha said.

Betatene natural mixed carotenoids provide several carotenoids extracted from Dunaliella salina algae, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and crytoxanthin.  Betatene contains both the cis- and trans-isomers of beta-carotene, compared to synthetic beta-carotene that typically provides only the trans isomer. The algae are cultivated in ponds in south and western Australia, and the sites are managed by Cognis in an environmentally responsible manner.  Betatene natural mixed carotenoids are harvested mechanically without the use of petro-chemical solvents. Such process control from raw material to finished product enables Cognis to deliver high-quality and consistent natural products.  Betatene is approved as a US food color under 21 CFR 73.95.