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E160eColorantLow concern
Beta-apo-8'-Carotenal
In plain words
The short version
A carotenoid derivative giving a deep orange-red — used in dairy desserts and processed foods.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0.05 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2012 re-evaluation lowered from 5 mg/kg). JECFA set an ADI of 0–0.3 mg/kg body weight in 2019. In 2026 it noted that high dietary exposure estimates for toddlers in the EU, based on typical use levels (up to 0.45 mg/kg body weight per day), exceed that ADI.
The detail
Synthesized commercially from beta-carotene by partial oxidation, yielding a more intense orange-red shade. Naturally occurs at low levels in spinach, citrus peel, and grass.
Used in dairy desserts, salad dressings, soft drinks, and ice cream where a richer orange-red than beta-carotene is wanted. About twice as colorant-effective as beta-carotene per weight.
Dark red-violet crystalline solid, virtually insoluble in water, soluble in fats and oils. Sensitive to light and oxygen — encapsulation extends shelf life.
Permitted in the EU and many other jurisdictions. In the US it remains listed as a color additive exempt from certification (21 CFR 73.90). It may be used to color foods generally at no more than 15 mg per pound of solid or semisolid food or per pint of liquid food.
Sources
- EFSA — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of β-apo-8'-carotenal (E 160e) as a food additive (EFSA Journal 2012;10(3):2499) — European Food Safety Authority (via PubMed Central), 2012. EFSA ADI 0.05 mg/kg bw/day; earlier 0–5 mg/kg ADI withdrawn
- JECFA database — beta-apo-8'-carotenal, INS 160e — WHO / FAO JECFA, 2026. JECFA ADI 0–0.3 mg/kg bw (2019); 2026 note that high exposure estimates exceed it
- 21 CFR 73.90 — β-Apo-8′-carotenal (color additive exempt from certification), eCFR as of 1 Oct 2026 — US eCFR (National Archives / GPO), 2026. Still permitted for US food use, max 15 mg per lb or per pint
- FDA — Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices — US Food and Drug Administration, 2025. FDA lists β-apo-8'-carotenal as an approved food color (content current as of 12/16/2025)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.