on the Term ‘Natural Color’ and the Categorization of Food Colors with new design and enriched content.
NATCOL´s Position paper on the Term ‘Natural Color’ and the Categorization of Food Colors was first issued in 2010, responding to an increased demand for natural colors in the European Union following the mandatory labelling on artificial colors and raising consumer interest for more natural colors and food in general. This position paper brought robust and objective criteria to classify natural colors, based on their degree of naturalness, and served as reference for the food industry over the last decade.
The demand for more natural colors is expanding around the globe with increased speed. While companies are continuously seeking suitable and sustainable solutions, they are also faced with differences in consumers´ perception of naturalness, and a lack of harmonization of the regulatory frameworks. More than ever, the food industry as well as official food authorities need clear, transparent and objective criteria to classify natural colors, and tools to navigate the regulatory complexity of front-pack labelling claims and communication.
Therefore, NATCOL has published a new version of its position paper, relying on its historical categorization criteria for naturalness, i.e. occurrence in nature, source material and manufacturing process, which remain the backbone of NATCOL´s position. In the different annexes, the position paper gives more details how this framework can be implemented in practice, including proposal for front-pack claims that are intended to be truthful and not misleading.
The first annex provides a list of currently approved natural colors in the EU and Codex Alimentarius and their categorization according to NATCOL´s criteria. The second Annex provides a decision tree on how to classify colors. Both Annexes suggest voluntary labelling options. The third annex provides a summary of the legal framework, definitions or guidance for classification of food colors, and labelling rules for consumer goods, in over 20 countries. Finally, Annex IV presents the outcome of market research, illustrating how NATCOL´s framework and suggested voluntary claims aligns with current practices in several countries.
We trust that this extended version of the Position paper will continue to be a reference for all parties interested in the terms ‘Natural Color’ and the Categorization of Food Colors.