NOSB Reviews Natural Colorant Petitions From colorMaker and D.D. Williamson

The NOSB recently made its recommendations based on its careful consideration of fifteen (15) separate petitions filed by colorMaker and D.D. Williamson, as well as other petitions filed by both buyers (organic food processors) and sellers (ingredient suppliers) of natural colorants.

14/06/07 colorMaker and D.D. Williamson successfully petitioned the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) for the placement of natural colorants onto the National List of ingredients approved for use in foods labeled “organic” or “made with organic ingredients”. The NOSB recently made its recommendations based on its careful consideration of fifteen (15) separate petitions filed by colorMaker and D.D. Williamson, as well as other petitions filed by both buyers (organic food processors) and sellers (ingredient suppliers) of natural colorants.

The NOSB recommended fourteen of the fifteen petitions filed by colorMaker and D.D. Williamson. According to Stephen Lauro, President of colorMaker, “Now, the rules for the use of natural colorants in organic food products are more clear. If an organic certified natural colorant exists, for example certified organic caramel color, then it must be used; if not, then a non-certified natural colorant may be used provided it is on the National List.” Mr. Lauro added, “The NOSB decision provides a significant growth opportunity for our industry, in general, and for our company in particular.”

Out of the twenty-five natural colorants permitted for use in foods by the FDA, nineteen are now NOP compliant:  1) Annatto Extract - divided into two separate listings; one for oil extracted and one for water extracted; 2) Beet Juice; 3) Beta-Carotene; 4) Black Currant Juice; 5) Blueberry Juice; 6) Carrot Juice; 7) Carrot, Purple / Black; 8) Cherry Juice; 9) Chokeberry / Aronia Juice; 10) Elderberry Juice; 11) Grape Juice; 12) Grape Skin Extract; 13) Paprika - divided into two separate listings; one for ground sweet peppers, and one for oil; 14) Pumpkin Juice; 15) Purple Potato Juice; 16) Red Cabbage Extract; 17) Red Radish Extract; 18) Saffron; and 19) Turmeric.

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will accept or reject the recommendations of the NOSB this June. We anticipate a favorable decision by the Secretary, thereby clarifying the use of natural colorants in foods labeled organic or made with organic ingredients.