E160b: Annatto norbixin

What is E160b?

E160bii is annatto norbixin, the water-soluble form of the orange-yellow colour obtained from annatto seeds. Norbixin is a carotenoid pigment that gives shades ranging from yellow to deep orange.

Origin and production

Annatto comes from the seed coat of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical Central and South America. Norbixin extracts are made by treating the seeds with an alkaline aqueous solution, which converts the natural pigment bixin into its water-soluble salt.

Why is it used?

Annatto norbixin is used to give a consistent yellow-orange colour, most famously to cheeses such as Cheddar, Red Leicester and Mimolette. It also colours cheese-flavoured snacks and stacked crisps, crackers, dessert mixes and grated cheese.

Vegan, vegetarian and halal

Annatto itself is plant-derived and suitable for vegans and vegetarians; however, it is often used in cheese and dairy products, so the overall product needs separate checking. Some colour preparations use carriers or formulations that manufacturers can confirm for halal or kosher requirements.

Safety and regulation

Annatto extracts, including norbixin, are authorised as food colours in the European Union, and EFSA re-evaluated them in 2016 with specified acceptable intakes. Annatto has occasionally been reported to cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals, but such cases are uncommon.

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