Safety grading GREEN – SAFE
Beta-carotene (E160a) is graded GREEN because it is a natural pigment and a safe food additive. It belongs to the carotenoid family of compounds, widely found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and other orange or dark-green vegetables. Beta-carotene functions as a precursor to vitamin A in the human body, meaning that it can be converted into retinol when needed. Regulatory authorities such as EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the FDA in the United States consider it safe for all populations when used within approved limits.
Unlike synthetic dyes that may raise safety concerns, beta-carotene has a long history of safe use. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and, in moderate quantities, can even provide health benefits as an antioxidant and vitamin source. The only known side effect of very high intake is a harmless condition called carotenodermia, where the skin takes on an orange-yellow tint. This is reversible and not associated with toxicity. Overall, beta-carotene poses no risk at levels found in foods, which justifies its GREEN – SAFE classification as a food additive.
In some cases, very high-dose supplements (especially in smokers) have been linked with negative health outcomes such as increased lung cancer risk. These effects are specific to concentrated pharmaceutical doses, not the natural levels present in food or as a food additive. As such, beta-carotene remains one of the safest coloring agents available.
Should You Avoid E160a?
There is no reason to avoid E160a in normal food products. On the contrary, beta-carotene is beneficial as it contributes to vitamin A intake and supports vision, skin health, and immune function. Only people consuming extremely high-dose supplements (well above what is found in foods) should be cautious, particularly smokers, based on findings from large clinical trials. In food additive use, it is entirely safe.
Common Uses
- Margarine and butter substitutes
- Soft drinks and fruit beverages
- Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, desserts)
- Confectionery and candies
- Bakery products
- Nutritional supplements
Common Names / Synonyms
- Beta-carotene
- Provitamin A
- E160a(i) Mixed carotenes
- E160a(ii) Beta-carotene
- CI Food Orange 5
What is it?
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, a group of naturally occurring pigments responsible for the orange, red, and yellow colors of many plants. Chemically, it is a hydrocarbon consisting of 40 carbon atoms arranged in a conjugated double-bond system. This structure allows it to absorb light in the visible range, giving its characteristic orange color and antioxidant properties.
In industry, beta-carotene can be obtained from natural sources such as carrots, algae (Dunaliella salina), or palm oil. It can also be synthesized chemically. Both natural and synthetic beta-carotene are considered safe, and their biological effects are essentially the same. Industrial extraction often involves solvent methods or advanced techniques like supercritical CO2 extraction, which preserves quality and purity.
Once ingested, beta-carotene is either stored in fat tissues as a pigment or converted into vitamin A depending on the body’s needs. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune defense, and healthy epithelial tissues. Beta-carotene’s role as an antioxidant also makes it relevant in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Because conversion to vitamin A is regulated, toxicity from beta-carotene itself is extremely rare.
Where it’s allowed (EU vs US)
E160a is approved as a colorant in both the European Union and the United States. The EU permits its use in a wide range of foods including margarines, beverages, bakery items, and confectionery. The US FDA lists beta-carotene as exempt from certification and generally recognized as safe (GRAS).