That’s why we take rigorous steps to ensure that every natural color we produce is not only vibrant and stable, but also safe and compliant across global markets.

The journey to safe, high-quality natural colors starts long before ingredients reach our production facilities. It begins in the fields where we work directly with our agricultural partners to control and monitor the use of pesticides and other potential contaminants. Farmers we work with commit to strict standards, including a defined list of restricted substances. These aren’t just guidelines, they’re contractual obligations.

Once the raw materials are harvested, we test them for a wide range of possible contaminants, including:

• Pesticides

• Heavy metals

• Hydrocarbon residues (like mineral oils)

• Mycotoxins, and

• Microbiological risks

If a material doesn’t meet our strict internal thresholds, which in many cases exceed local legal requirements, it doesn't move forward in our process.

Tailored to global standards

Because we operate globally, we maintain compliance with a range of food safety and regulatory frameworks. This includes the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), U.S. FDA, Codex Alimentarius, and more. We don’t aim for the minimum standards required, we adjust to exceed the expectations of each market we serve.

Certifications and ethical assurance Beyond testing and compliance, we also ensure our products meet diverse customer needs. This includes verification for:

• Food safe system accreditation

• Halal and Kosher compliance

• Organic certification

• Vegan and vegetarian suitability

• Non-GMO standards

• Responsibly sourced palm oil

Third-party certifications and due diligence procedures support these claims. In all cases, Oterra's internal quality management systems ensure consistency, traceability, and alignment with customer requirements.

Our natural colors are safe, because we make sure they are

At Oterra, safety isn’t a claim—it’s a commitment, built into every stage of our process. From the fields where our ingredients are grown to the shelves where your products are sold, we’re there, ensuring the natural colors you trust are as safe as they are beautiful.