Understanding Sensient's Certasure™ Program
As the food and beverage industry transitions towards natural colors, the demand for stringent safety and quality protocols is more critical than ever. Sensient, a leader in food colors, has developed its Certasure™ program to address this need effectively.
What are Color Additives?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies color additives as any dye, pigment, or substance capable of imparting color to various products, including food, cosmetics, drugs, and even to the human body. These additives are broadly categorized into two types:
- Certified Colors: These require FDA certification before they can be used.
- Exempt from Certification: Typically referred to as 'natural' colors, these do not undergo the same certification process.
Proactive Steps by Sensient
With a growing absence of specific standards for natural-sourced colors defined by the FDA or any trade groups, Sensient's Certasure™ program, initiated in 2015, proactively tackles this gap. Developed by a panel of experts from various fields, including plant biology and food safety, this program aims to ensure that manufacturers can trust the natural colors they use.
Key Features of Certasure™
Certasure™ is designed as a comprehensive food safety program centered on colors derived from plant sources. This initiative encompasses an array of essential practices, including rigorous quality testing, thorough vendor certification, complete traceability of raw materials, and adherence to best manufacturing practices. All these elements work together to guarantee that natural colors meet crucial quality, safety, and authenticity standards.
Commitment to Food Safety
Michael Geraghty, President of Sensient Colors LLC, emphasizes the significance of food safety within the industry: "Food Safety is a manufacturer's number one priority, and Certasure™ enables manufacturers to innovate naturally with certainty." This commitment ensures that the natural colors used in product development are safe and do not pose any risks to consumers.
The Certasure™ Shield
Visible on product shipments and containers globally, the Certasure™ shield logo represents Sensient's unwavering dedication to safety and quality. It highlights the company's proactive measures in making certain that the colors they provide are trusted by manufacturers.
About Sensient Colors LLC
Sensient Colors is known for bringing products to life by enhancing their color and visual appeal in the food and beverage industry worldwide. With a strong emphasis on color innovation and proprietary technology, Sensient Colors enhances brand value, ensuring sensory appeal and high performance in their offerings.
About Sensient Technologies
Sensient Technologies Corporation stands as a prominent global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and fragrances. Utilizing sophisticated technologies across its facilities, Sensient develops specialized food and beverage systems, inkjet and specialty inks, as well as various fine chemicals. Their clientele includes renowned international manufacturers representing many of the world's best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certasure™ program?
The Certasure™ program by Sensient is a comprehensive food safety initiative focused on ensuring the quality and safety of natural colors used in food and beverages.
Why are natural colors important?
Natural colors provide a healthier alternative to artificial colors, aligning with consumer preferences for clean labeling and transparency in food products.
How does Sensient ensure the safety of its colors?
Sensient implements rigorous quality testing, vendor certifications, and maintains full traceability of raw materials as part of its Certasure™ program.
Where is Sensient Technologies headquartered?
Sensient Technologies is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and operates globally in various markets.
What does the Certasure™ shield logo signify?
The Certasure™ shield logo symbolizes Sensient's commitment to safety and quality in its product offerings, assuring customers of the integrity of their natural colors.
