Key milestone met for Givaudan’s new natural, acid stable blue colour in Europe
Givaudan Sense Colour is announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has shared its scientific opinion, declaring the safety of blue galdieria extract for use as a food colour additive. Next, Everzure® Galdieria will go to the European Commission to determine final authorisation.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) releases positive feedback on the risk assessment for Givaudan’s Everzure® Galdieria, a vibrant natural alternative to the synthetic Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) colour.
Givaudan Sense Colour is announced that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has shared its scientific opinion, declaring the safety of blue galdieria extract for use as a food colour additive. Next, Everzure® Galdieria will go to the European Commission to determine final authorisation.
Everzure® Galdieria, is a natural colour additive made from Galdieria sulphuraria. Developed in collaboration with French biotech company Fermentalg, this novel phycocyanin blue is fermented and extracted from microalgae using patented processes. It offers a similar shade to spirulina, with complete traceability. And its acid stability broadens the scope of application and use beyond where spirulina can be used.
“We welcome this long-awaited news that Galdieria has received positive feedback following a thorough and intensive assessment,” says Barry Foley, regulatory director for Givaudan Sense Colour. ”This milestone reflects Givaudan’s ongoing commitment to supporting the regulatory pathways that bring these natural alternatives to market. We conducted rigorous testing of galdieria blue extract in food and beverage applications to support this assessment and take us one step closer to approval of galdieria as a colour additive in the EU.”
Leveraging Fermentalg’s expertise in blue biotechnology and precision fermentation, Everzure® Galdieria is sustainably produced via the controlled fermentation of the microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria, followed by a gentle water extraction. The proprietary process ensures consistent quality, efficient resource use, and scalable production—hallmarks of its leadership in algae-based innovation.
“Once it is fully approved by the European Commission, manufacturers will finally be able to achieve vibrant blues, greens, and purples in acidic applications like beverages and confections that were previously unattainable with spirulina. And its close colour match to Brilliant Blue will allow customers to create novel and exciting food experiences without compromising on naturalness,” says Nathalie Pauleau, global product manager for Givaudan Sense Colour.
Everzure® Galdieria is currently approved for use and is available for sampling in the US.