Canthaxanthin E161g
carotenoid — Primarily synthetic or natural.
β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione
CAS: 514-78-3
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 Canthaxanthin?
Canthaxanthin (E161g) is an orange-red carotenoid pigment found naturally in some mushrooms, crustaceans, and flamingo feathers, though commercial food-grade canthaxanthin is produced entirely through chemical synthesis. It is used as a food colorant in sauces, soups, confectionery, and certain meat products in some markets. Canthaxanthin gained notoriety in the 1980s through use in self-tanning tablets, which led to cases of retinal crystal deposits (canthaxanthin retinopathy); this non-food use is now restricted. EFSA re-evaluated canthaxanthin in 2010 and reduced the ADI to 0.03 mg/kg body weight per day, significantly lower than the previous value, reflecting concerns about high-dose retinal effects. The FDA has restricted canthaxanthin use in the USA to specific applications such as salmon feed (as a color-enhancing agent).
? 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.
Regulatory Analysis
Canthaxanthin's regulatory trajectory illustrates how non-food misuse of a food-approved substance can reshape its regulatory profile. Reports of retinal crystal deposits (canthaxanthin retinopathy) following high-dose use in self-tanning tablets in the 1980s prompted the UK to restrict such products in 1995. EFSA's 2010 re-evaluation of E161g subsequently reduced the food use ADI to 0.03 mg/kg body weight per day — a significant reduction from earlier values — citing the same retinal concern at high cumulative exposures. The FDA permits canthaxanthin in salmon feed under 21 CFR 73.75 but maintains restrictions on direct food use, ensuring dietary exposure remains well below thresholds associated with retinal effects. Japan approves it as a natural colorant. The scientific debate centers on whether the crystalline retinal deposits observed at high doses are reversible and dose-dependent, rather than on toxicity of the compound at food additive levels.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Permitted in specific foods only
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Approved for use in foods but banned in tanning pills due to eye damage (retinal deposits)
Japan (MHLW)
Permitted as natural colorant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
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).
Manufacturing
Commercially produced by chemical synthesis or extracted from algae and bacteria. Used extensively in salmon farming to color the flesh pink.
Applications Beyond Food
Previously used in tanning pills (now banned in many countries)
Animal feed colorant for salmon and egg-laying hens