|
|
|
Welcome to IACM
In response to Starbucks Corporation’s recent announcement that it will soon stop using cochineal in its drinks, the International Association of Color Manufacturers (IACM) today noted that cochineal is approved for use in food and beverage products by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently used in a wide variety of fruit drinks, candy, yogurt, and some processed foods. Cochineal extract has been safely used to color foods since its discovery in Mexico by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Cochineal extract may be added to products in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice (GMP), which means that FDA has determined that the color additive can be safely added to products in the amounts necessary to achieve the desired coloring effect without concern that the safe level will be exceeded. Cochineal extract is also approved for use in many other countries around the world. We respect that Starbucks has made a business decision based on customer feedback, but want to reiterate that the decision was not due to any safety issues related to the use of cochineal. Cochineal and all colors approved for use in the United States have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe for consumer use.
IACM Responds to Rumors Surrounding the Use of Certain Synthetic Colors (November 14, 2011)
Recent rumors that the Southampton colors are banned in Europe are not accurate. As part of an overall re-assessment of the safety of all food additives, the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS) has recently re-evaluated many food colors, including the six synthetic colors used in the "Southampton study" (McCann et al., 2007). EFSA, like the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, requires the labeling of these colors on food products, and opinions expressed by the EFSA ANS Panel and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have upheld the safety of the six synthetic colors, including sunset yellow and tartrazine, and will allow for their continued use within the European marketplace.