Organic Annatto Extracts

LOUISVILLE, Ky.Certified organic annatto extract coloring from D.D. Williamson is available in water-soluble or oil-soluble forms, and as a concentrated oil-soluble suspension.

The colors 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. Williamsons 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. 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 USDAs National Organic Program, has certified D.D. Williamsons processing facility for naturally derived coloring in Port Washington, Wisc.