ABOUT | CERTASURE™ The Science of Certainty

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Are you using safe natural colors?

Sensient’s Certasure™ pesticide testing protocols screen for more than 500 pesticides. We test every batch so you don’t have to.

Pesticides
Heavy Metals
Microbiological
Adulteration
Unauthorized
Solvents
field

Frequently Asked Questions

Do natural colors need to be FD&C certified?

No, natural colors do not go through the FDA FD&C certification process, which is reserved for synthetically produced colors like Red 40 and Blue 1. The safety of natural food colors is the responsibility of each food color manufacturer, and the FDA directs manufacturers to test products to the best of their own ability. Without a centralized testing system, this potential discrepancy between suppliers is a concern for many food and beverage manufacturers. Sensient has a strict food safety testing program called Certasure™. Certasure™ ensures that consumers receive safe, quality products free of harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, unauthorized solvents, and pathogens.

Are there safety risks with plant-based food colors?

There are inherent risks that come with natural colors that are not present with synthetic dyes. Because most natural colors come from botanical sources, there are the same risks that come with agricultural farming, including pesticides, microbiological contamination, and more. It is important for companies to be aware that not all suppliers have the same botanical testing. To learn more click here.

What kind of testing is needed for natural food colors?

The FDA leaves testing of natural colors up to the “best ability” of each individual supplier. While guidelines for risks like heavy metals and pesticides are provided, there is no centralized testing or standardization program currently in place in the US or any other major region. Brands and manufacturers should ask potential color suppliers how they are testing for microbiological contamination, adulteration, pesticides, heavy metals, and unauthorized solvents. Color suppliers should also have vendor certification and traceability programs in place.

How do I know if my natural colors are safe?

Each color supplier is responsible for testing safety and quality of their natural color products. Because there is no centralized testing system like there is for synthetic dyes, brands and manufacturers should have clear, ongoing conversations with color suppliers to ensure safety, quality, and authenticity of their natural colors. Sensient’s Certasure™ food safety program ensures compliance with the strictest standards globally and provides peace of mind to color customers on any botanical color solution.

Want to learn more about Certasure™? Request a consult or some samples today.

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