Codex approval is highly relevant worldwide as an international organization founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It sets Standards and Guidelines for additives in a wide range of food and beverages. Codex Standards influence the everyday health of consumers when they are applied by industry and are used to guide food safety authorities and food businesses operators on good practices and safe maximum levels of additives, as well as contaminants, pesticides, and veterinary drug residues. 

The decision by the Codex Alimentarius Commission clears the way for the use of Jagua blue in 21 food categories such as dairy-based desserts, fruit preparations, flavored milk drinks, confectionery, fat-based desserts, and cereals.  

Explore the official details here: GSFA Online Food Additive Details for Jagua (genipin-glycine) blue. 

For many countries, Codex Standards and Guidelines are the basis for national legislation. In some cases, especially in LATAM, APAC, and MEA regions, countries refer directly to these Standards or let Codex Standards prevail unless local regulations are to be followed. Thereof, products with Jagua blue can now be sold in countries such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, South Africa, Kenya, and others.  

The whole approval process of Jagua (genipin-glycine) blue at the Codex Alimentarius took around four years, including safety evaluation of this new vibrant blue by the JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives).  

The US Food and Drugs Administration (US FDA) approved Jagua (genipin-glycine) blue in December 2023, joining other territories such as India, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico where it was already approved for use. Oterra has been selling the pigment using the brand name ‘Jungle Blue’ in these territories.  

Derived from the Jagua fruit, or huito fruit, in Colombia, Jagua blue offers a naturally sourced, high-strength blue pigment for food categories.  

Oterra uses jagua fruit in its Jungle Blue formulation. It is pH stable in all common food applications, and it does not flocculate, precipitate, or change shade in acidic environments.  

With its ability to withstand thermal processes, Jagua blue is also perfect for high-temperature applications such as extrusion. It can be blended into the dry mix before extrusion or dissolved into the water added into the extruder barrel. Either way, fantastic blue cereal can finally be produced.  

It is easy to combine Jagua blue into dry powder blends because it dissolves quickly in water, giving a strong and even color. Simple agitation is enough to ensure full dissolution. This makes Jagua blue perfect for instant frosting and icing mixes where only a little water is added before it is all mixed and the product is good to use. 

Jungle Blue does not just deliver brilliant blue—it also combines with yellow or red pigments to produce vivid green and purple shades. 

If you think some of these changes could influence your food production, or you want help navigating the new regulatory updates or implementing them in your products, contact our Commercial team. We have experts around the world waiting to support you!