Beetroot Red, betanin (E162)
- Food Fine
What is Beetroot Red, betanin (E162)?
Beetroot red (E162) is the natural red colour from beetroot, used in yoghurts, ice cream and sweets. You get about the same amount from eating beetroot itself, and tests are reassuring. It's fine; it can briefly turn urine or stools pink or red, which is harmless.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Beetroot Red, betanin?
Yasno’s verdict on Beetroot Red, betanin: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Beetroot Red, betanin allowed in the EU?
EU status of Beetroot Red, betanin: 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?
- Betanin
Sources
- EU Food Additives Register — POL-FAD-IMPORT-3017, European Commission (DG SANTE), 2013
- Re-evaluation of beetroot red (E 162) as a food additive, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2015
- FDA assessment of a fermentation-derived, betanin-containing beetroot-red preparation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2026
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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