GMOs and caramel colors...
Caramel color can be derived from several nutritive sweetener sources. In the US, for example, DDW uses corn syrup as its source material, while in some other markets, it uses cane sugar or wheat, which are not from GM crops*.
While caramel color from genetically modified (GM) corn crops is actually GMO-free in that PCR tests show it contains no detectable GM proteins or DNA, it is not 'non-GMO' as it is still derived from GM crops, says Nixon.
So has this started to become a problem in the US, as some activists are calling for all products containing ingredients derived from GM crops to be labeled as such?
Not at this stage, says Nixon. "It's a non-issue for us right now, although we obviously have a very active regulatory department that keeps on top of all these issues, which are very important for companies supplying multiple export markets, all with different requirements."
And what about some soy-derived carriers/emulsifiers that might be used to stabilize natural colors that aren't from GM sources?
"Again, right now, the larger issue for us is the allergen issue, in that some people don't want to introduce allergens such as soy to their products," he says.
*All caramel colors manufactured at DDW operations in Europe, South America, Asia and Africa are Non-GM due to the carbohydrate source selected.