Disclaimer: 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 may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
Annatto
E160b | INS 160b
Names & Identifiers
- E Number
- E160b
- INS Number
- 160b
- CAS Number
- 1393-63-1
- Scientific Name
- Bixin and norbixin
- Japanese Name
- アナトー
- Also Known As
- Bixin, Norbixin, Achiote, CI 75120
Regulation Status by Country
European Union
Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg
Widely permitted
View EFSA Opinion →United States
Status: approved | Exempt from certification
Widely used in cheese, butter, and snack foods
Japan
Status: approved | Category: 既存添加物
Australia / New Zealand
Status: approved | Code: 160b
Canada
Status: approved
What is Annatto?
Classification
Function: colour
Type: natural
Source: plant-derived
Natural Occurrence
A natural orange-red pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas.
Found in: Seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana)
How It's Made
Method: extraction
Extracted from the seed coat of achiote (Bixa orellana) using vegetable oil (bixin) or alkaline aqueous solution (norbixin).
Uses Beyond Food
- Cosmetics: Used in cosmetics and body care products.
- Pharmaceutical: Used as a colorant in pharmaceutical preparations.
- Industrial: Used in textile dyeing.
- Household: Traditionally used as a food colorant and body paint in Latin American cultures
Commonly Found In
Annatto is typically used in:
Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.
Safety Evaluations (Official)
EFSA (EU)
ADI: 6 mg/kg bw/day (for bixin); 0.3 mg/kg bw/day (for norbixin)
Evaluated: 2016
ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)
Research & Official Documents
Official evaluations and scientific research:
Search research databases:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Annatto (E160b)?
Annatto (E160b) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and plant-derived. A natural orange-red pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas.
Where is Annatto found naturally?
Annatto is naturally found in Seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). A natural orange-red pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas.
What is the ADI for Annatto?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Annatto is 0–0.6 mg/kg bw/day (for bixin) 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 Annatto?
Annatto is used in various food categories including Unripened cheese, Fat emulsions mainly of type water-in-oil. It is used as a colour in these products.
Is Annatto the same as Bixin?
Yes, Annatto is also known as Bixin, Norbixin, Achiote, CI 75120. These are different names for the same substance.
Related Additives
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