GRAS status for AstaPure
Algatechnologies’ natural astaxanthin product AstaPure has obtained GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status from the FDA for use in food and beverages applications.
“Our AstaPure brand has been successfully applied for several years as an active ingredient in dietary supplements, foods and beverages in Japan,” says Efrat Kat, director of marketing and sales at Algatechnologies. “Achieving GRAS status and meeting the highest regulatory requirements in the US is a major accomplishment, designed to support our customers in their food and beverage innovations utilising the recognised health benefits of astaxanthin.”
Astaxanthin is a highly potent antioxidant, recognised as approximately 500 times more effective than vitamin E and much more powerful than other carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene and beta carotene. AstaPure is used mainly in sports nutrition, and products developed specifically for cardiovascular and skin health.
Food categories for which astaxanthin is now allowed include: baked goods, beverages, cereals, chewing gum, coffee, tea, dairy, frozen dairy desserts and mixes, hard candy, milk products, processed fruits and fruit juices, processed vegetables and vegetable juices, and soft candy.
