Canthaxanthin
The short version
An orange-red carotenoid — banned in tanning supplements after eye-crystal retinopathy cases. Not authorised in any food in the EU; permitted in US foods up to a set maximum.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI of 0.03 mg/kg body weight (EFSA 2010), the same value as JECFA's ADI of 0–0.03 mg/kg body weight set in 1995 — one of the lowest carotenoid ADIs because of the retinopathy history. Long-term ingestion of 30 mg/day for tanning produced reversible retinal crystals (canthaxanthin retinopathy). At permitted food levels, exposure is far below the threshold for retinal effects.
Sources
- EFSA — Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of canthaxanthin (E 161 g) as a food additive (2010) — European Food Safety Authority (ANS Panel), 2010. ADI 0.03 mg/kg bw, same as earlier JECFA/SCF ADIs; based on retinal crystal deposits
- WHO JECFA database — Canthaxanthin (INS 161g) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1995. JECFA ADI 0–0.03 mg/kg bw
- EU — Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 by establishing a Union list of food additives (2011) — Publications Office of the European Union, 2011. Strasbourg-sausage use dropped; canthaxanthin not authorised in any EU food category (Union list applies from 1 June 2013)
- US eCFR — 21 CFR 73.75 Canthaxanthin (version of 2026-10-13) — Office of the Federal Register / US FDA, 2026. US: permitted for coloring foods generally (max 30 mg/lb or pint), broiler and salmonid feed
Checked against these sources on .
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