colour INS 160a

Carotenes E160a

natural — Primarily plant-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Beta-carotene and mixed carotenes

CAS: 7235-40-7

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Carotenes occurs naturally in carrots and sweet potatoes. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Carotenes is produced through fermentation — the same biological process used to make bread, beer, and yogurt.

Beyond food, Carotenes is also used in cosmetics, medicine. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS, Exempt from certification

Also approved as a nutrient supplement

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–5 mg/kg bw/day (for beta-carotene)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

5 mg/kg bw/day

Natural Occurrence

Orange-yellow pigments naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A.

carrotssweet potatoespumpkinsspinachkaleapricots

Manufacturing

Method: extraction or synthesis

Can be extracted from natural sources like carrots or palm oil, or produced by chemical synthesis, or through fermentation using algae or fungi.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used as a colorant and antioxidant in cosmetics.

Medical

Used as a vitamin A supplement and colorant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carotenes (E160a)?

Carotenes (E160a) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and plant-derived. Orange-yellow pigments naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A.

Where is Carotenes found naturally?

Carotenes is naturally found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, kale, apricots. Orange-yellow pigments naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A.

What is the ADI for Carotenes?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Carotenes is 0–5 mg/kg bw/day (for beta-carotene) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Carotenes?

Carotenes is used in various food categories including Dairy products, Other fat and oil emulsions. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Carotenes the same as Beta-carotene?

Yes, Carotenes is also known as Beta-carotene, Provitamin A, Mixed carotenes. These are different names for the same substance.