Following the approval, San-Ei Gen FFI will be releasing new food colourant formulations — "San-Ei Blue (R) G-BF30 WSP" and "San-Ei Blue (R) G-BFA20 WSP" — for processed food products distributed in the US
Gardenia (genipin) blue can be used in processed food products, such as sports drinks, flavoured water (soft drinks other than carbonated beverages), fruit juice beverages, tea drinks, hard candies and soft candies, which are manufactured and sold in the US.
The newly released Gardenia (genipin) blue formulations were originally developed by San-Ei Gen FFI and their proprietary technologies are protected by US patents.
The products have higher heat and light stability than other naturally derived blue colour components and are characterised by a vivid blue colour.
In addition to utilising Gardenia (genipin) blue products alone, they can also be mixed with yellow to appear green or with red to make a purple tone.
The Gardenia (genipin) blue products can express highly stable blue, green and purple colours that cannot be achieved with a spirulina extract, a conventionally used and naturally derived blue colour.
The company is looking to promote Gardenia (genipin) blue products in the US and will continue to put more effort into product development.