Annatto, bixin, norbixin (E160b)
- Food Fine
What is Annatto, bixin, norbixin (E160b)?
Annatto (E160b) is a yellow-orange colour made from the seeds of the achiote tree, used in cheese, butter and snacks. Normal amounts are not a health concern, and intake limits are set well below any effects seen in animals. It's fine for most people; rare allergic reactions have been reported, possibly from leftover seed proteins.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Annatto, bixin, norbixin?
Yasno’s verdict on Annatto, bixin, norbixin: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Annatto, bixin, norbixin allowed in the EU?
EU status of Annatto, bixin, norbixin: Permitted as a food additive. Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Permitted as a food additive | Not recorded |
What else is it called?
- Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin/Deleted from the Union List of authorised additives
Sources
- EU Food Additives Register — POL-FAD-IMPORT-3011, European Commission (DG SANTE), 2023
- The safety of annatto extracts (E 160b) as a food additive, European Food Safety Authority, 2016
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/771, European Commission, 2020
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
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