FDA Approves Calcium Carbonate as a Color Additive
Announced in the Federal Register on November 7, 2017, Calcium Carbonate was approved as a color additive exempt from certification in chewing gums, mints, hard and soft candy, and inks used on the surface of chewing gums. The approval of calcium carbonate is an exciting addition to our natural color toolkit. It offers an alternative to titanium dioxide in these confection categories and may allow food manufacturers to transition to a more globally compliant replacement platform for titanium dioxide. The change is effective December 8, 2017.
From a labeling perspective, food brands have several options for listing calcium carbonate on their ingredient statements, including as “color added” and “calcium carbonate (color).” There are no prescribed maximum usage limits, although manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs).
This development couldn’t be more timely, since some food manufacturers are actively looking to replace titanium dioxide in some formulas.
Sensient’s new Avalanche™ MB product line, which is a calcium carbonate-based TiO2 alternative, is now permitted for use by confectioners in the U.S.
“Designed for optimal performance and lower usage rates compared to other calcium carbonate alternatives…”
Avalanche™ MB gives confectioners a new “crayon in the box” and provides a number of other benefits, including:
Superior Heat Stability
General Global Permissibility
Label-Friendly Advantages
For those interested in learning more about using Avalanche™ MB in permitted confection applications, please don’t hesitate to set up a meeting with Gale Myers, our technical expert on all things candy, or request a sample if you’re ready to begin trial work.
