Identifiers
Galdieria Extract Blue
Blue galdieria extract
C-Phycocyanin
CAS No. 2412619-69-1
Physical Description
Galdieria extract blue is a liquid or powder prepared by the filtered aqueous extraction of the dried biomass of a non-pathogenic and non-toxigenic strain of Galdieria sulphuraria. The biomass is prepared by heterotrophic fermentation of G. sulphuraria. The color additive contains C-phycocyanin as the principal coloring component.
Specifications
Regulatory Approvals
JECFA: Galdieria Extract has not been evaluated by JECFA.
USA: Galdieria Extract Blue is exempt from certification and was permanently listed in 2025. Galdieria Extract Blue can be safely used to color non-alcoholic beverages and beverage bases, fruit drinks, fruit smoothies, fruit juices, vegetable juices, dairy-based smoothies, milk shakes and flavored milks, yogurt drinks, milk-based meal replacement and nutritional beverages, breakfast cereal coatings, hard candy, soft candy and chewing gum, flavored frostings, ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, frozen fruits, water ices and popsicles, gelatin desserts, puddings and custards, whipped cream, yogurt, frozen or liquid creamers (including non-dairy alternatives), and whipped toppings (including non-dairy alternatives), provided the amount of gardenia (genipin) blue does not exceed levels consistent with GMP (21 CFR 73.167).
EU: ADI of 7 mg/kg per day expressed as C-phycocyanin (EFSA, 2015).
Safety Reviews
FDA Final amendment; order; 90 FR 20101; 5/12/2025. Available online
EFSA FAF Panel (EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings) (2026). Safety evaluation of blue galdieria extract as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 24(3), e9960. Available online