Gulf countries are preparing for regulatory changes that require warning statements for some artificial colours to comply with international standards.
According to the regulation, it will be mandatory for food and beverages containing the colours Allura Red AC (INS 129), Sunset Yellow (INS 110), Azorubine (INS 122) and Tartrazine (INS 102) to have the warning statement “this material may have a negative effect on activity and concentration of children”.
These colours, belonging to the so called “Southampton Six” which hit the headlines when a 2007 university study in the city linked their usage with hyperactivity of children, are well known to manufacturers and their presence has required a similar mandatory warning in the EU since 2010.
Paul Collins, GNT’s international sales director, said the GCC had become significant for the company and a regional office would allow it to develop its strategy of enhancing global market coverage.
“As people are getting increasingly conscious of food additives, the demand for natural ingredients is growing strongly and this will soon be further supported by stricter legislation in the GCC,” said Collins.
Santhosh Thankappan, who has joined GNT as sales director for the newly established affiliate, added: “I see a great opportunity to support manufacturers in the GCC in meeting the developing needs of the market.
“Manufacturers should now use the opportunity to review their formulations and find alternatives that better meet consumers’ expectations.”
The Middle East office will offer application experts to support product development and provide colour solutions to customers, he added.