Aluminium-free colours range fits impending EU law: Sensient

03-Jun-2012 - Last updated on 04-Jun-2012 at 12:41 GMT

Sensient has aluminium-free colours set to fit new market conditions and demands, it says

German colours specialist, Sensient, has an aluminium-free colour range that it says will plug demands defined by the impending EU law to reduce aluminium levels in foods.

The range is designed for dry applications, such as beverage, confectionery and powdered food.

On 3 May in Brussels, the EU made amendment recommendations to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, issuing a circular to the European Commission to develop draft regulations to the European Parliament and Council on the conditions and standards of aluminium in foods and additives.

It is “appropriate to amend the current conditions of use and reduce the use levels for aluminium-containing food additives, including aluminium lakes,” it said.

Dr Roland Beck, sales director at Sensient Food Colours Europe, said the range will fit new market conditions defined by these impending laws.

“With the impending food legislation in the EU which will limit the aluminium content in food and additives, food and beverage manufacturers want to replace aluminium lakes of synthetic food colours with natural colours that exhibit comparable colour properties,” Beck told FoodNavigator.

He also added the range fits the on-going trend towards natural ingredients.

Strong synthetic alternative

The German firm has said its aluminium-free colour powders provide stable and vibrant alternatives for manufacturers developing all-natural products across these application areas.

The range has strong plating efficiency and colouring intensity as well as excellent stabilities, he added, offering a strong alternative to synthetics.

“This range is especially designed for dry applications where a superb visual appeal is essential,” Thomas Krahl, manager for application services at Sensient Food Colours Europe, said.

“The new natural colour technology allows us to deliver plating characteristics, commonly found in synthetic pigments, in a natural colour powder,” Krahl added.

The colour variants are yellow, orange, pink, red and green shades, he said, as well as customised blends.

The EU has recommended a transitional period for its Annex II amendment, to allow business operators to adapt to the new requirements.