E160a: Beta-carotene

What is E160a?

Beta-carotene is an orange-red pigment from the carotenoid family, the compounds that colour carrots and apricots. Listed as E160a(i), it can be converted by the body into vitamin A.

Origin and production

Under this number it is usually made by chemical synthesis, giving a molecule identical to the natural one. Related sub-numbers cover carotenes from plants, the fungus Blakeslea trispora or microalgae.

Why is it used?

It gives foods a warm yellow to orange shade or restores colour lost in processing. It turns up in cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, snacks, sweets, ice cream and margarine.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

The pigment is not animal-derived, but it is often supplied in beadlets that may use gelatin as a carrier. Vegans, vegetarians and those keeping halal or kosher may wish to look for certification or ask the manufacturer.

Safety and regulation

Beta-carotene is authorised as a food colour in the EU and was re-evaluated by EFSA, which considered its use as a food additive acceptable. Concerns about high intakes have mainly involved high-dose supplements rather than colouring levels.

Common in