Beetroot Red
Also known as: E162, betanin
Beetroot Red (E162) is a natural pigment with no ADI established by EFSA because of its low toxicity and historical safe use. It is exempt from FDA color certification and listed under 21 CFR 73.40 (vegetable juice color).
What it is
Beetroot Red (E162), also called betanin; a natural red-purple pigment extracted from red beets (Beta vulgaris).
Natural color additive providing red to pink hues.
Why it's flagged
- beeturia (harmless red urine in some individuals)
What regulators actually say
"The color additive vegetable juice for use in coloring foods generally is the liquid expressed from mature varieties of fresh, edible vegetables."
"The Panel considered that there is no need for a numerical ADI for beetroot red (E 162)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as 'vegetable juice color' or 'dehydrated beets' (21 CFR 73.40, 73.260) - exempt from certification
European Union — EFSA
Approved (E162); no numerical ADI established
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