Skip to content
We welcome the new EU Guidance Notes on coloring foodstuffs

Press release -

We welcome the new EU Guidance Notes on coloring foodstuffs

The new guidelines are a great step forward and represent a good business opportunity for Chr. Hansen. Chr. Hansen’s coloring foodstuffs customers can rest assured that the FruitMax® products will comply with the EU Guidance Notes.

The EU Commission has endorsed a new set of guidelines for coloring foodstuffs, an E number free alternative to natural colors. The EU Guidance Notes, which include clear principles as to what will classify as a coloring foodstuff, are effective from January 1st, 2014 and by November 29th, 2015 no new food products can be launched containing non-compliant coloring foodstuffs.

FruitMax® products will comply
“We have carefully followed the revision process to ensure compliance with the EU Guidance Notes and it is with great pleasure that we can confirm to our customers that our popular FruitMax® coloring foodstuffs will comply fully with the EU Guidance Notes. Further, FruitMax® offers effective alternatives to some of the current market solutions which no longer comply, for example most of the oleoresin-based coloring foodstuffs. We will of course offer full technical and regulatory support to our customers in this change process,” says Chr. Hansen’s Luc Ganivet, Senior Director, Natural Colors Division.

A clear framework to the benefit of all
“This is great news for consumers, the food industry as well as the coloring foodstuffs suppliers as the EU Guidance Notes clarify a field where some uncertainty has existed due to the lack of 100% clear guidelines from the authorities. Now there is a clear EU definition to distinguish between food color additives and coloring foodstuffs,” says Luc Ganivet.

“This is very encouraging for consumers who are looking for more naturality and transparency and for industry players who now have a clear environment with same rules for all. We see this as a strong business opportunity for Chr. Hansen. We are the leading supplier of natural color solutions to the global food industry and, in line with our strategy “Nature’s No. 1”, it is our intention to become the leading supplier of coloring foodstuffs solutions.”


Chr. Hansen will take active part in establishing the Annex III of the Guidance Notes (containing reference values for the source materials).

Topics


Chr. Hansen is a global bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. The products include cultures, enzymes, probiotics and natural colors, and all solutions are based on strong research and development competencies coupled with significant technology investments. Revenue in the 2013/14 financial year was EUR 756 million. The company holds a leading market position in all its divisions: Cultures & Enzymes, Health & Nutrition and Natural Colors. It has more than 2,500 dedicated employees in over 30 countries and main production facilities in Denmark, France, USA and Germany. Chr. Hansen was founded in 1874 and is listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.

Contacts

Helle Rexen

Helle Rexen

Press contact Media relations officer +45 20 74 28 40

About us

Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for over 150 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 50,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.

Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
Boege Allé 10-12
DK-2970 Hoersholm
Denmark