EFSA backs Givaudan’s natural blue colour as EU approval process advances
The landmark ruling brings the world one step closer to a commercially viable, natural alternative to synthetic blue dyes in food products.
FRANCE – Givaudan Sense Colour has achieved a pivotal regulatory milestone for its innovative natural blue food colour, Everzure® Galdieria, after receiving a positive scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The assessment confirms the safety of blue galdieria extract, derived from the microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria, for use as a food colour additive, positioning it as a stable, natural alternative to the synthetic Brilliant Blue FCF (E133).
Developed in partnership with French biotech firm Fermentalg, Everzure® Galdierialeverages precision fermentation and gentle water extraction to deliver vibrant blue hues with acid stability, unlike spirulina-based colours, which falter in low-pH environments such as beverages.
The proprietary process ensures consistent quality, efficient resource use, and scalable production, hallmarks of its leadership in algae-based innovation.
This breakthrough addresses a critical gap in the natural colours market, where Europe accounts for nearly one-third of global demand amid rising clean-label preferences and scrutiny on synthetic dyes.
Everzure® Galdieria is a natural colour additive made from Galdieria sulphuraria.
It offers a similar shade to spirulina, with complete traceability. And its acid stability broadens its application beyond where spirulina can be used.
Barry Foley, Regulatory Director at Givaudan Sense Colour, hailed the EFSA opinion as validation of extensive testing across food and beverage applications, underscoring the company’s commitment to scalable, sustainable solutions.
The dossier now advances to the European Commission for final authorization, potentially enabling widespread adoption in confectionery, dairy, drinks, fruit preparations and fillings, and bakery decorations and toppings.
This development aligns with dual US FDA approvals for similar spirulina blues, facilitating global launches and supporting brands transitioning to recognizable ingredients.
As regulatory pressures intensify, evident in California’s recent synthetic dye bans, Givaudan’s innovation bolsters the shift toward microalgae-derived colours, promising consistent quality and resource efficiency.
For Givaudan, the milestone reinforces its Sense Colour division’s leadership in natural pigments, with projections for strong growth in a market hungry for compliant, high-performance alternatives.
Food manufacturers eye rapid integration to accelerate clean-label reformulations amid consumer-driven sustainability trends.
Givaudan Sense Colour was officially launched in January 2024, following the acquisitions of Naturex in 2018 and DDW The Colour House in 2021.
It is a division of Taste & Wellbeing that is dedicated solely to supporting customers with their natural colour needs and complements the vast portfolio of flavors and botanicals.
Mother Nature supplies the raw materials, and Sense Colour adds more than 155 years of colour expertise. It is a brilliant partnership that offers a complete range of natural color solutions for the food and beverage industry.
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