Ingredion Incorporated, Westchester, IL, revealed that Health Canada has granted approval of its quillaja extract (type 2) as an emulsifying agent for oil-based coloring formulations, unstandardized oil-based flavoring preparations, and other unstandardized oil-based ingredients that are used in a number of foods and beverages. 
 
Effective immediately, quillaja extract (type 2) has been added to Health Canada’s List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents. Previous to this approval, quillaja extract was only permitted as a foaming stabilizing agent in beverages. Known as Ingredion brand Q-NATURALE, this highly efficient, clean label emulsifier can replace alternative emulsifiers, such as gum arabic.  
 
“This authorization is exciting news because it enables us to extend the unique benefits of Q-NATURALE emulsifier beyond the U.S. and Europe,” said Dinah Diaz, senior marketing manager at Ingredion. “We are eager to demonstrate the excellent emulsification capabilities of this clean label emulsifier to our customers in Canada.”
 
Q-NATURALE emulsifier can be used in a variety of foods and beverages to improve emulsification capabilities and efficiencies, including beverage products, flavor concentrates, chewing gum, gravies and sauces, snack foods, soups and many more.
The emulsifier is ideal for use in flavor emulsions and beverage clouds, which are formulated in a variety of sparkling and still beverages with actives, intense flavors and vibrant colors. Because of its unique functionality, the emulsifier also enables a high oil load that produces brilliant clarity in clear beverages and alcoholic drinks.
 
Q-NATURALE emulsifier is derived from quillaja trees grown in Chile using sustainable agriculture practices certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Quillaja plantations can provide enough extract to replace the world’s supply of gum arabic (for beverages). Ingredion’s exclusive food-and-beverage segment partnership with Chilean growers of quillaja means that formulators now have access to a secure and cost-effective alternative to gum arabic.