Coloring foodstuffs, or coloring foods, is an established category in Europe and one that is gaining increasing popularity worldwide. It may come as a surprise to some that the coloring foods category is not a new phenomenon; they have been successfully manufactured and safely used in the European Union market for more than 30 years. These minimally processed colors are derived from fruit, vegetables, and edible plants that have gone through a gentle production process. In Europe, it means coloring foods can be labeled as food ingredient and not an additive.

Though it seems straightforward, there are strict laws on exactly how food manufacturers can label and use coloring foods. Understanding the full regulatory landscape can be complex. The regulations are only binding in EU countries yet many other regions around the world have adopted the same rules for their own markets. That’s why many will be pleased to know there’s a new guidance document out.

What is the Code of Practice?

The ‘Industry Code of Practice for the Classification, Manufacturing, Use and Labelling of Colouring Foods(EU)’ from NATCOL is intended as a business to business tool for food industry producers and users of Colouring Foods on the European market. The aim of this Code is to describe current industry practice and to provide support for the classification, manufacturing, quality control, use and labeling of Colouring Foods. And the long term it will help to ensure consistency, transparency and harmonisation of practices.

With the release of the Code of Practice*, food manufacturers get the support they need by providing guidance in understanding the full scope of the EU regulatory framework on coloring foods.

Just as with the EU Guidance notes, the Code of Practice is not legally binding and should always be ready to be read in conjunction with appropriate EU legislation, in particular regulation EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.

Download the Code of Practice

What is NATCOL?

NATCOL was founded in 1979 and represents the international interests of companies and associations providing natural food colors and/or Colouring Foods for the food and drink, feed, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

At Oterra, we are pleased to have contributed to the Code of Practice together with other members of NatCol. Our team will continue to provide the necessary technical and regulatory support on using coloring foods in food and beverages

The transparency your customers want

There's a good reason why minimally processed colors, commonly known as coloring foods, are the fastest growing category of natural colors. They meet consumer wishes for clean label and simple ingredients. Our complete range of FruitMax® colors meets this need and will help you make the great products your customers reach for again and again. Looking for a sample or have a regulatory question?