Beta-Carotene
Also known as: E160ai, E160a
Beta-carotene (E160a) is approved as a color additive by FDA (21 CFR 73.95) and EFSA. EFSA's 2012 re-evaluation concluded the additive use is not of safety concern when total intake stays below ~15 mg/day.
What it is
Beta-carotene, an orange-yellow carotenoid pigment that is a vitamin A precursor, sourced from plants (carrots, palm fruit, algae) or made synthetically.
Color additive (orange/yellow); provitamin A.
Why it's flagged
- High-dose supplements (≥20 mg/day) increase lung cancer risk in heavy smokers
- May cause harmless yellow-orange skin discoloration at high intake
What regulators actually say
"The color additive beta-carotene may be safely used for coloring foods generally... in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice."
"The Panel concluded that the use of synthetic beta-carotene and mixed beta-carotenes... as food colour is not of safety concern, provided the intake from this use as a food additive and as food supplement is not more than the amount likely to be ingested from the regular consumption of the foods in which they occur naturally (5-10 mg/day)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved color additive (21 CFR 73.95 natural; 21 CFR 73.95 synthetic)
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E160a; no ADI but supplemental intake should stay below 15 mg/day
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