Annatto (E160b) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Annatto?
Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has been used for centuries both as a food coloring and a spice. The active coloring compounds are bixin and norbixin, which produce yellow to orange hues.
What Is It Used For?
Used to color butter, cheese, margarine, smoked fish, salad dressings, and snacks. Gives cheddar cheese its characteristic orange color. Also used in some Latin American and Caribbean cuisine as a flavoring.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions including hives and anaphylaxis, though this is rare. It has been associated with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity in some people. Despite being natural, it is not suitable for all people with food sensitivities.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Annatto an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2021.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E160b or 'Annatto'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Annatto
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E160b
- INS Number
- 160b
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Natural
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- 0-3 mg/kg bw/day
- Dataset Review
- 2021
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Quick Links
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family