E161G · Canthaxanthin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E161G?
Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment, occurring naturally in some mushrooms, crustaceans, and fish, and also produced synthetically for use as a food and animal-feed additive (E161g). In food, it has been used to enhance the color of items like sausages, and in animal feed it intensifies pigmentation of egg yolks, poultry skin, and farmed salmon. Regulatory agencies including EFSA and FDA have set strict intake limits following documented cases of canthaxanthin retinopathy — a reversible condition involving crystalline deposits in the retina — linked to high-dose use (historically including its use as a tanning-pill ingredient, now banned for that purpose).
Also appears on labels as: Canthaxanthin, E161g, E 161g, E-161g, β,β-Carotene-4,4'-dione, β,β-Carotene-4,4 dione, Canthaxantin, Canthaxanthine, Natural Canthaxanthin, Synthetic Canthaxanthin, Canthaxanthin Powder, Canthaxanthin Extract.
What the evidence says
- Linked to canthaxanthin retinopathy at high intakes, a generally reversible condition involving crystal deposits in the retina.
- EFSA has significantly lowered the Acceptable Daily Intake for canthaxanthin due to these eye-safety findings; food-additive use is now more restricted than in the past.
- Excessive intake can also cause harmless skin discoloration (carotenodermia).
Research behind the verdict
- Canthaxanthin (E161g) – Safety Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2010). Carotenoid pigment; EFSA ADI 0.03 mg/kg bw/day due to retinal deposits at higher doses; safe under ADI.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E161G safe?
Our overall verdict for E161G (Canthaxanthin) 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 E161G vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Canthaxanthin — 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 E161G and why is it used?
Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment, occurring naturally in some mushrooms, crustaceans, and fish, and also produced synthetically for use as a food and animal-feed additive (E161g). In food, it has been used to enhance the color of items like sausages, and in animal feed it intensifies pigmentation of egg yolks, poultry skin, and farmed salmon. Regulatory agencies including EFSA and FDA have set strict intake limits following documented cases of canthaxanthin retinopathy — a reversible condition involving crystalline deposits in the retina — linked to high-dose use (historically including its use as a tanning-pill ingredient, now banned for that purpose).
Does E161G contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Canthaxanthin.
Watch E161G
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Canthaxanthin changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.