Gardenia (genipin) blue has been approved for use as a color additive exempt from certification by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) effective Aug. 29, 2025. Following the approval, San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc. will release new food colorant formulations "San-Ei Blue (R) G-BF30 WSP" and "San-Ei Blue (R) G-BFA20 WSP" for processed food products distributed in the US.

Gardenia (genipin) blue can be used in processed food products, such as sports drinks, flavored water (soft drinks other than carbonated beverages), fruit juice beverages, tea drinks, hard candies and soft candies, which are manufactured and sold in the US

The newly released Gardenia (genipin) blue formulations were originally developed by San-Ei Gen F.F.I. and their proprietary technologies are protected by US patents. The products have higher heat and light stability than other naturally derived blue color components and are characterized by a vivid blue color. In addition to using Gardenia (genipin) blue products alone, they can also be mixed with yellow to exhibit green or with red to make a purple tone. The Gardenia (genipin) blue products can express highly stable blue, green and purple colors that cannot be achieved with a spirulina extract, a conventionally used and naturally derived blue color.

The company is looking to promote Gardenia (genipin) blue products in the US and will continue to put more effort into product development.