E160A · Carotene mixture, beta carotene
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E160A?
Beta-carotene and mixed carotenes are natural (or nature-identical) pigments that give foods vibrant orange and yellow colors, found naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. In the body, beta-carotene can convert to vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function. It is widely used as a food colorant in margarine, juices, and baked goods and is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and FDA at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Carotene mixture, Beta carotene, β-carotene, Mixed carotenes, Carotenes, Carotenoid mixture, E160a, E 160a, E-160a, Natural carotene, Carotene (beta and others), Vegetable carotene.
What the evidence says
- Excessive intake can cause carotenodermia, a harmless yellow-orange skin discoloration.
- High-dose beta-carotene supplements (not typical food-additive levels) have been associated with increased lung cancer risk in smokers in clinical trials — this concern applies to supplement doses, not food-color use levels.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E160A safe?
Our overall verdict for E160A (Carotene mixture, beta carotene) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E160A vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Carotene mixture, beta carotene — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E160A and why is it used?
Beta-carotene and mixed carotenes are natural (or nature-identical) pigments that give foods vibrant orange and yellow colors, found naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. In the body, beta-carotene can convert to vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function. It is widely used as a food colorant in margarine, juices, and baked goods and is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and FDA at typical use levels.
Does E160A contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Carotene mixture, beta carotene.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.