Annatto
Also listed as E160b, Bixin, and Norbixin.
This is what the ingredient is.
Annatto is a natural orange-red colorant extracted from seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). Used for centuries by indigenous peoples of Central and South America.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
Natural coloring agent providing yellow to orange hues. Used in cheese, butter, snack foods, and margarine. Also provides slight peppery flavor.
Here is what food agencies say.
The FDA has approved it as color additive exempt from certification (natural source). Europe sets a suggested daily limit of up to 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. for bixin. It is approved in the US, Europe, and Canada. as natural colorant.
Here is what research has found.
Generally recognized as safe with long history of use. Some reports of allergic reactions published in Journal of Allergy Clinical Immunology. Safety reviewed by an FAO/WHO expert committee in 2016.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives, itching, and rarely anaphylaxis. Some reports of IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Generally safe for most people.
Sources
- FDA 21 CFR 73.30
- JECFA Evaluation 2016
- J Allergy Clin Immunology 2012
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.