Following review by a panel of experts, Naturex has obtained self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation for its natural turmeric extract, Turmipure Gold. GRAS status is the standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for food and beverage ingredients.
 
In December 2019, a GRAS expert panel of independent scientists convened to conduct a comprehensive evaluation on the use of Turmipure Gold, as the criteria for GRAS includes consensus among qualified experts that the data and information establish safe use in food and beverages. The expert panel unanimously concluded that Turmipure Gold is recognized as safe under the conditions of intended use in a wide range of food categories including beverages at both intuitive and effective doses. The panel also stated that it had no questions regarding Turmipure Gold safe use in food applications, including beverages.
 
This expert panel decision means that Turmipure Gold can be safely used in a wide range of U.S. food and beverage applications for turmeric extract standardized in curcumin. The ingredient is now authorized for both intuitive and effective daily intake in categories that include beverage and beverage bases, confectionery products, dairy and dairy analogs.
 
An effective 300 mg dose of Turmipure Gold can now be incorporated in a single functional 2-oz. shot drink. According to Naturex, because of the ingredient’s increased bioavailability, this single 300 mg serving delivers the same amount of curcuminoids to the blood as 1,922 mg of standard turmeric (containing 95% curcuminoids), allowing food and beverage manufacturers to offer tangible benefits to their consumers.
 
Alexis Manfré, global product manager for Turmipure Gold at Naturex, said: “We are very pleased to receive the GRAS designation, allowing us to bring the benefits of Turmipure Gold to the U.S. food and beverage industry. We’re looking forward to partnering with our customers to create exciting new products as the possibilities are truly limitless.”
 
TurmipureGold is also available in organic certified grade, provides instant water-dispersibility, a low effective dose, neutral taste, and appealing color, the company said. It has also demonstrated stability of curcuminoids to heat and light, including in beverages.