Gardenia (Genipin) Blue

Identifiers

Gardenia (Genipin) Blue
CAS No. 106441-42-3
INS No. 165

Physical Description

Gardenia (genipin) blue is a dark purple or dark blue liquid or powder prepared by the polymerization of genipin obtained from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis with soy protein hydrolysate. Gardenia (genipin) blue is mainly composed of a genipin-peptide polymer (the principal coloring component), carriers (for powder form), and water (for liquid form). The color additive is manufactured by sourcing, drying, and crushing the mature fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.

Specifications

JECFA

FDA

Regulatory Approvals

JECFA: ADI of 0- 7 mg/kg bw/day (100th meeting, 2025)

USA: Gardenia (genipin) blue is exempt from certification and was permanently listed in 2025. Gardenia (genipin) blue can be safely used to color sport drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy, provided the amount of gardenia (genipin) blue does not exceed levels consistent with GMP (21 CFR 73.168).

Safety Reviews

Safety evaluation of certain food additives (100th report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) WHO food additives series No. 91. Not yet available online

FDA Final amendment; order; 90 FR 31586; 7/15/2025. Available online