colour INS 160b

Annatto E160b

natural — Primarily plant-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Bixin and norbixin

CAS: 1393-63-1

Data verified: 2026-04-03

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.

What Is Annatto?

Annatto (E160b) is a natural orange-red food colorant derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. The primary coloring compounds are bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble), extracted using solvents or alkali. Annatto is widely used to color cheeses (such as Cheddar and Red Leicester), butter, margarine, smoked fish, and certain snack foods. Despite being a natural colorant, annatto has been associated with rare allergic reactions and urticaria in sensitive individuals. EFSA completed a re-evaluation of annatto in 2016 and set a new ADI of 0.065 mg norbixin equivalents/kg body weight per day, a value lower than previously established, prompting review of some authorized use levels.

? Did You Know?

Annatto occurs naturally in Seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Annatto is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. 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

Widely permitted

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved Exempt from certification

Widely used in cheese, butter, and snack foods

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–0.6 mg/kg bw/day (for bixin)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

6 mg/kg bw/day (for bixin); 0.3 mg/kg bw/day (for norbixin)

Natural Occurrence

A natural orange-red pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas.

Seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana)

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Extracted from the seed coat of achiote (Bixa orellana) using vegetable oil (bixin) or alkaline aqueous solution (norbixin).

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetics and body care products.

Medical

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

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.