E160B · Annatto, bixin, norbixin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E160B?
Annatto, bixin, and norbixin are natural orange-red colorants derived from the seeds of the achiote (annatto) tree. Bixin is the oil-soluble pigment and norbixin is the water-soluble form derived from it. These colorants are widely used in cheese, butter, snack foods, and beverages as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. While generally recognized as safe, annatto has been associated with rare but notable hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis in a small number of documented cases.
Also appears on labels as: Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin, Annatto extract, Annatto seed extract, E160b, E 160b, E-160b, Natural orange-yellow color, Food color annatto, Bixin/norbixin colorant, Annatto pigment.
What the evidence says
- Rare but documented hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria (hives) and, in isolated case reports, anaphylaxis.
- EFSA has set an Acceptable Daily Intake for bixin and norbixin; typical food-use levels stay within this limit.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels for the general population.
Frequently asked questions
Is E160B safe?
Our overall verdict for E160B (Annatto, bixin, norbixin) 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 E160B vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Annatto, bixin, norbixin — 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 E160B and why is it used?
Annatto, bixin, and norbixin are natural orange-red colorants derived from the seeds of the achiote (annatto) tree. Bixin is the oil-soluble pigment and norbixin is the water-soluble form derived from it. These colorants are widely used in cheese, butter, snack foods, and beverages as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes. While generally recognized as safe, annatto has been associated with rare but notable hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis in a small number of documented cases.
Does E160B contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Annatto, bixin, norbixin, though some people report sensitivity (annatto sensitivity (rare)).
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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.