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Red Leicester

Also known as: red leicester cheese

Low concern

Red Leicester is a hard cow's-milk cheese colored with annatto extract (a natural carotenoid colorant, FDA GRAS, EU E160b). Like other hard cheeses it is high in saturated fat and sodium.

Found in
8 products

What it is

Traditional English semi-hard cheese, similar to Cheddar, colored orange-red with annatto.

Table cheese, melting cheese, sandwich/snack ingredient.

Why it's flagged

What regulators actually say

"Annatto extract is listed in 21 CFR 73.30 as a color additive exempt from certification, permitted for use in foods generally including cheese."

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Standardized cheese under 21 CFR Part 133; annatto as colorant under 21 CFR 73.30.

European Union — EFSA

Subject to EU dairy standards; annatto authorized as E160b.

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