Let Overseal Make your Future Vibrant, Naturally
Colour is very important in terms of the consumer’s perception of quality and flavour, when deciding whether to try a product. More recently another issue is playing a part in this decision making process – is it natural?
Since the publication of the Southampton study in the Lancet in September 2007, the issue of synthetic colours and the possible link to hyperactivity in children has remained in the media spotlight. At a recent meeting of the European Parliament, ministers voted that products containing the six synthetic colours in question should carry a warning label by 2010. A warning label stating “may cause hyperactivity” on their products is not an attractive prospect for manufacturers. It is therefore predicted that many manufactures will remove synthetic colours, and switch to natural alternatives.
Therefore, the challenge to the natural colour industry is to produce colours that give manufacturers processing and shelf life stability, as well as an extensive range of shades that depict the flavours that the consumer desires.
There are a variety of naturally occurring pigments that are commonly used to produce natural colour formulations. These all vary widely in their physical and chemical properties. Some are naturally oil soluble and some water dispersible. Stability also varies from pigment to pigment. Recent developments in natural colour technology now mean that a wider and more stable range of colours are available, to suit the needs of the manufacturer.
Overseal are able to provide a number of natures colour solutions for a variety of applications from confectionery to beverages and dairy to ready meals, plus many more. Overseal understand that manufacturers require colour formulations that are stable to heat and light, as well as exhibiting consistent colour shade in final application with a good shelf life.
