About
Blueberry puree concentrate is a natural food ingredient produced by mechanically processing and thermally concentrating the edible flesh and juice of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum and related species) to remove a portion of the water content. It is used in food and beverage manufacturing to impart flavor, natural color (from anthocyanin pigments), and nutritional value, including antioxidants and polyphenols.
Safety summary
Blueberry puree concentrate is widely recognized as safe for the general adult population with no identified ADI restriction; it is a whole-food-derived ingredient with no synthetic additives. Its naturally occurring sugars (fructose, glucose) may be relevant to individuals managing blood glucose levels. No IARC classification applies, no bans exist in any major jurisdiction, and no significant adverse effects have been reported in the scientific literature at typical dietary intake levels.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (Australia) | Approved | Permitted as a natural fruit ingredient under Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Code. No E-number or specific additive approval required. Standard food safety and labeling requirements apply.source |
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Blueberry puree concentrate is permitted as a natural food ingredient in the EU. It does not require a specific food additive authorization (E-number) as it is a processed fruit ingredient. Specific health claims for blueberry extracts (e.g., antioxidant, night vision) were submitted under Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 but EFSA has not authorized general antioxidant health claims for blueberry-derived ingredients. Its use as a natural colorant may be subject to review under color additive regulations depending on intended use.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Blueberry puree concentrate is permissible as a natural fruit-derived ingredient under FSSAI regulations. No specific additive listing or ADI is required. Processors must comply with general food safety, hygiene, and labeling standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. No specific ban or restriction has been identified.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Blueberry puree concentrate is classified as 'juice' under 21 CFR Part 120. Processors making it for beverage use must comply with FDA Juice HACCP regulations (21 CFR Part 120), including a 5-log pathogen reduction step. No specific additive approval or ADI is required as it is a natural whole-food ingredient. When used as a flavoring or sweetener in non-beverage foods, it is not subject to juice HACCP regulations. |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1EFSA. EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims — Blueberry Extract Health Claims (Article 13 submissions). food.ec.europa.eu
- 2PubMed. The Effects of Blueberry Phytochemicals on Cell Models of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, 2022. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3PubMed. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4FDA. Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers on Juice HACCP Regulation, 2018. fda.gov
- 5FDA. Small Entity Compliance Guide: Juice HACCP, 2003. fda.gov