Differing food safety laws between the European Union and the United States have given US companies a reason to seek alternatives to titanium dioxide, which provides a bright white color to food. One reason to consider natural alternatives domestically is a bill under consideration in California targeting titanium dioxide and red No. 3, which is used in candy and other applications.

Chicago-based ADM offers a PearlEdge portfolio of colors as titanium dioxide alternatives, said Emina Goodman, senior director, colors. ADM creates the colors by using raw materials derived from natural sources like native corn starch.