Blue breakthrough: Fermentalg wins EFSA green light for Galdieria Blue as Givaudan prepares European rollout

Fermentalg has secured a positive safety opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its phycocyanin-rich Galdieria Blue extract, a development that moves the acid-stable natural blue colorant closer to full authorization across the European Union.

• EFSA concluded there was 'no safety concern' regarding the use of Fermentalg’s Galdieria Blue extract in food applications following more than five years of scientific evaluation.

• The ingredient had already received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2025, allowing commercialization in the USA.

• Fermentalg confirmed industrial production had begun with partner Huvepharma as commercialization preparations advanced with Givaudan.

The Libourne, France-based biotechnology company reported that the EFSA opinion followed a comprehensive scientific review process involving extensive data submissions and technical exchanges throughout the evaluation period. The authority concluded there was no safety concern associated with the use of the microalgae-derived extract in food applications, a decision that represents a key step toward formal authorization by the European Commission in the coming months.

Galdieria Blue is derived from the extremophile microalgae Galdieria sulphuraria and was developed as a natural blue colorant capable of maintaining stability in acidic conditions. According to Fermentalg, this combination of high stability and acid resistance addresses one of the long-standing technical barriers limiting the wider use of natural blue colorants in food and beverage products.

Produced through precision fermentation, the ingredient is designed as a fully natural and traceable alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic dyes. Fermentalg has promoted the technology as a solution for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to reformulate products with clean-label ingredients while maintaining the visual performance required for commercial applications.

The company said EFSA’s positive conclusion validated the scientific work underpinning the ingredient’s development. The submission was supported by data gathered across multiple stages of the development process, including strain selection, process optimization, analytical characterization, and scale-up.

Hywel Griffith, scientific director at Fermentalg, said: “The EFSA's positive conclusions perfectly illustrate Fermentalg's strengths and the quality of our R&D and regulatory teams who have contributed fully to the completion of this project. From strain selection to process development and production, and thanks in particular to the cutting-edge expertise of our analytical team, each step has provided the data needed to prove the efficacy and safety of this product.”

The European safety opinion builds on earlier regulatory progress in the United States. Fermentalg noted that Galdieria Blue received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in May 2025, enabling the ingredient to be commercialized in the U.S. market as a bio-based alternative to synthetic Blue Brilliant #1.

With both regulatory pathways advancing, the company said food and beverage manufacturers now have a clearer route toward launching products using the same natural blue ingredient across major international markets.

Fermentalg has already taken steps to prepare for commercial supply. Industrial production of Galdieria Blue has started at Huvepharma, which serves as the company’s industrial partner and main shareholder. The early production ramp-up was intended to ensure supply readiness once European authorization is formally granted.

Commercial rollout of the ingredient is being conducted through a partnership with flavor and fragrance company Givaudan. Under the collaboration, Givaudan markets the ingredient under the Everzure brand, combining Fermentalg’s microalgae fermentation technology and European production base with Givaudan’s global commercial infrastructure and formulation expertise.

Fermentalg said the ingredient’s acid stability enables the creation of stable blue, purple, and green shades in challenging food systems, including acidic beverages, confectionery products, and fruit preparations. These applications have historically relied heavily on synthetic dyes because many natural blue colorants degrade under low-pH conditions.

For manufacturers, the combination of acid stability, natural sourcing, and regulatory alignment across major markets could simplify reformulation strategies, particularly as consumer demand for cleaner ingredient labels continues to influence product development.

Europe represents a particularly important market for natural food colors. Fermentalg noted that the region accounts for nearly one-third of the global natural food colorants market, while stable natural blue solutions remain limited despite increasing demand.

In that context, the company described Galdieria Blue as a potential tool for brands seeking to replace synthetic dyes while maintaining product performance and visual appeal.

The EFSA opinion therefore marked more than a regulatory checkpoint for Fermentalg. It also reflected the company’s broader effort to translate microalgae-based biotechnology into commercially viable ingredients capable of supporting large-scale food manufacturing.

With US approval already secured, industrial production underway, and European authorization now moving closer, Fermentalg said it was preparing for global deployment of its acid-stable natural blue ingredient through its partnership with Givaudan.