color INS 161g

Canthaxanthin E161g

carotenoid — Primarily synthetic or natural.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Restricted

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione

CAS: 514-78-3

Data verified: 2026-04-04

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?

Canthaxanthin occurs naturally in Mushrooms (chanterelles) and Salmon. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Canthaxanthin is derived from seaweed, a practice that originated centuries ago in East Asian cooking traditions.

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

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Permitted in specific foods only

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

restricted Color additive subject to certification exemption

Approved for use in foods but banned in tanning pills due to eye damage (retinal deposits)

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Permitted as natural colorant

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–0.03 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.03 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~360 of grams of farmed salmon (typical 5 ppm)

~0.005mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

A naturally occurring orange-red carotenoid pigment. Used to give farmed salmon its pink color and to enhance egg yolk color in poultry. Also used as a tanning agent in pills (now banned for this use in many countries).

Mushrooms (chanterelles)SalmonCrustaceansFlamingo feathers

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation

Commercially produced by chemical synthesis or extracted from algae and bacteria. Used extensively in salmon farming to color the flesh pink.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Previously used in tanning pills (now banned in many countries)

Industrial

Animal feed colorant for salmon and egg-laying hens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canthaxanthin (E161g)?

Canthaxanthin (E161g) is a color used in food products. It is carotenoid and synthetic or natural. A naturally occurring orange-red carotenoid pigment. Used to give farmed salmon its pink color and to enhance egg yolk color in poultry. Also used as a tanning agent in pills (now banned for this use in many countries).

Is Canthaxanthin banned in any country?

It has restricted use in USA. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

Where is Canthaxanthin found naturally?

Canthaxanthin is naturally found in Mushrooms (chanterelles), Salmon, Crustaceans, Flamingo feathers. A naturally occurring orange-red carotenoid pigment. Used to give farmed salmon its pink color and to enhance egg yolk color in poultry. Also used as a tanning agent in pills (now banned for this use in many countries).

What is the ADI for Canthaxanthin?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Canthaxanthin is 0–0.03 mg/kg bw/day 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 Canthaxanthin?

Canthaxanthin is used in various food categories including Processed fish and fishery products. It is used as a color in these products.

Is Canthaxanthin the same as Food Orange 8?

Yes, Canthaxanthin is also known as Food Orange 8, CI 40850. These are different names for the same substance.