E160E · Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E160E?
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e) is a carotenoid pigment, orange-red in color, that occurs naturally in small amounts in citrus and other plants but is produced synthetically for food use. It is used to color margarine, cheese, soups, and beverages. Regulatory agencies including EFSA and FDA consider it safe within set limits, though very high intakes may cause harmless skin discoloration (carotenodermia).
Also appears on labels as: Beta-apo-8'-carotenal, β-apo-8'-carotenal, C30 carotenoid, C30 carotene aldehyde, E160e, E 160e, E-160e, Beta-apo-carotenal, Apo-carotenal, C30 beta-apo-carotenal, Food colorant beta-apo-8'-carotenal, Beta apo 8 karotenalis.
What the evidence says
- Excessive intake may cause carotenodermia, a harmless orange-yellow skin discoloration.
- EFSA has set a group Acceptable Daily Intake covering E160e and related apocarotenoids; typical food-use levels remain within this limit.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e) – Re-evaluation — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2012). Synthetic carotenoid; EFSA ADI 0.05 mg/kg bw/day; safe under ADI; no genotoxicity concerns.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E160E safe?
Our overall verdict for E160E (Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)) 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 E160E vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30) — 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 E160E and why is it used?
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e) is a carotenoid pigment, orange-red in color, that occurs naturally in small amounts in citrus and other plants but is produced synthetically for food use. It is used to color margarine, cheese, soups, and beverages. Regulatory agencies including EFSA and FDA consider it safe within set limits, though very high intakes may cause harmless skin discoloration (carotenodermia).
Does E160E contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30).
Watch E160E
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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.