D.D. Williamson’s launch of certified organic annatto extracts have helped food processors broaden the portfolio of consumer products labeled with the USDA organic logo.
In April 2009, D.D. Williamson launched certified organic annatto extract coloring, available in either water-soluble or oil-soluble form. The company later added a more concentrated oil-soluble suspension to its organic line. In July 2010, these innovative ingredients remain North America’s first and only certified organic annatto extracts for coloring. Food manufacturing customers can label “organic annatto extract color” on ingredient declarations in the United States. D.D. Williamson has sold all three new products to U.S. manufacturers of organic food.
Organic food manufacturers previously had to settle for ‘organic compliant’ annatto extract. Now these customers can include D.D. Williamson’s new products to meet the requirements that a food formula is > 95% certified organic ingredients to claim ‘organic’ and qualify for use of the USDA logo. The new products also conform to Canadian organic regulations.
“Thanks in part to D.D. Williamson’s innovation, clean-label seeking consumers in North America can locate organic cheddar cheese, organic popcorn, and organic spreads colored with organic annatto and marked with the trusted USDA organic logo”, said Margaret Lawson, Vice President, Science & Innovation. “Additional, potential organic applications include baked goods, salad dressings, snacks, frostings, and confections,”
Annatto, a carotenoid, is extracted from the outer coat surrounding the seeds of Bixa orellana trees – cultivated in tropical climates. D.D. Williamson works closely with overseas growers to ensure that identity-protected seeds meet the rigorous criteria required for organic certification. Quality Assurance International, an agent for USDA’s National Organic Program, has certified D.D. Williamson’s processing facility for naturally derived coloring in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
D.D. Williamson will exhibit at Booth 6229 at the upcoming IFT Food Expo in Chicago. For a sample of a certified organic annatto extract, please contact your D.D. Williamson sales representative or e-mail info@ddwmson.com.
