Frutarom has received organic certification for its annatto color

Annatto. Image courtesy of Frutarom.

The Frutarom Natural Solutions Ltd. (New York City) division of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) has received organic certification for its natural annatto color, both under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the European Organic Certifiers Council. Annatto seeds and extracts provide a yellow-to-reddish color for foods and beverages, and are the second most economically important natural colorant worldwide, says the company.

To achieve the certification, Frutarom registered and trained over 50 annatto seed farmers in the Quillabamba Valley in Cuzco, Peru and in Codo del Pozuzo in Puerto Inca, Peru. The farmers use non-GMO seeds, and do not utilize synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, pesticides, or hormones, and Frutaron maintains full traceability on the growing and harvesting processes.

“Organic colors are an integral part of the established clean label trend, meaning that the colors support our customers’ efforts to satisfy consumer needs,” says Yoni Glickman, president, natural product solutions of IFF Frutarom, in a press release. “Organic certification has become the standard of the industry, especially as it involves all aspects of growing, harvesting, extracting, and maintaining full traceability of the ingredient, from seed to final product.”

“It is all about caring and staying loyal to consumers’ expectations for better-for-you products that are also eco-friendly and help us to protect the environment,” adds Ilanit Bar-Zeev, vice president, natural product solutions of IFF Frutarom, in a press release.