Plant Carotenes
Also known as: E160aii, E160a
Mixed plant carotenes are approved food colorants in the US and EU, generally regarded as safe at typical use levels. EFSA reviewed E160a in 2012 and did not establish numerical concerns at use levels for the mixed plant carotenes form.
What it is
Mixed plant carotenes (E160a(ii)) extracted from edible plants such as carrots, palm oil, or algae; used as a natural orange-yellow food color.
Natural color additive providing yellow to orange hues; also a precursor to vitamin A.
Why it's flagged
- high-dose beta-carotene supplements (not food coloring) linked to risk in smokers
What regulators actually say
"Carotene may be safely used for coloring foods generally."
"The Panel concluded that mixed carotenes (E 160a(ii)) and beta-carotene from algae do not give rise to safety concerns at the reported use levels."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Listed as a permitted color additive (carotene) under 21 CFR 73.95.
European Union — EFSA
Approved food colour E160a(ii); reviewed by EFSA in 2012.
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