What is E160b?
Annatto extracts (E160b) — natural-source food colours made from annatto seeds, providing yellow to orange-red shades.
Annatto extracts (E160b) are colours derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana. Their main colouring principles are bixin and norbixin. EFSA’s follow-up assessment established ADIs of 6 mg bixin/kg body weight per day and 0.3 mg norbixin/kg body weight per day, with no genotoxicity concern at the assessed uses. The colour is permitted under specified conditions in Australia/NZ, the EU and US. Goodnessly rates it Avoid as a preference to reduce added colours.
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Read the FAQ →
What are annatto extracts?
Annatto extracts are food colours obtained from annatto seeds. Different extracts contain bixin, norbixin or related colouring compounds and can give foods yellow, orange or orange-red tones. Labels may say "annatto", "annatto extract", "160b", "E160b" or "colour (160b)".
What's it used for?
- Colouring cheese, spreads and dairy-style foods
- Adding yellow-orange colour to fats, sauces and snacks
- Colouring cereals, bakery and other formulated foods
- Using bixin or norbixin extracts under category-specific specifications
Where you'll find E160b on the shelf
Annatto is used where a warm yellow-orange colour is wanted, especially in dairy-style and savoury products.
Are annatto extracts safe? What the research says
EFSA’s later assessment of annatto colouring principles set separate ADIs for bixin and norbixin and concluded that the assessed exposure scenarios did not raise a safety concern, with no genotoxicity concern identified for annatto E. Goodnessly’s Avoid rating is a preference to reduce added colours, not a claim that annatto is banned or that authorised use is unsafe.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted (specified foods; Schedule 15) | FSANZ lists annatto extracts as additive 160b in Schedule 15. Maximum permitted levels vary by food category and the additive must be declared by name or code number when used. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised; bixin/norbixin ADIs | E160b is on the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified categories and conditions. EFSA’s follow-up assessment set an ADI of 6 mg bixin/kg bw/day and 0.3 mg norbixin/kg bw/day for the relevant colouring principles. |
| US United States (FDA) | Colour additive exempt from certification | FDA permits annatto extract as a colour additive exempt from certification under 21 CFR 73.30 and related annatto provisions, with source, extraction and purity conditions. The US rule is a colour-use permission, not a general approval for every annatto preparation. |
“Natural-source colour” does not mean every extract has identical composition or use conditions. Bixin and norbixin have different specifications and ADIs; check the label and the applicable food category.
- EFSA 2016 / 2019: annatto assessments addressed data gaps, genotoxicity and exposure; ADIs were set separately for bixin and norbixin.
- FSANZ: annatto extracts 160b are listed in Schedule 15 with category-specific maximum levels.
- FDA 21 CFR 73.30: annatto extract is listed as a colour additive exempt from certification under stated source and extraction conditions.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer foods without added colours
- Households reducing processed foods with several colour additives
- Anyone seeking simpler ingredient lists, while remembering that natural-source does not mean automatically risk-free
Goodnessly rates E160b Avoid. Annatto extracts are permitted in all three regions with specifications and exposure limits, but our preference is to keep added colours out of the Clear tier.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Annatto
- Annatto extract
- 160b or E160b
- Colour (160b)
- Bixin or norbixin colour
The label may use “annatto” rather than the numerical code.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E160b?
E160b is annatto extract, a food colour obtained from annatto seeds and containing colouring principles such as bixin and norbixin.
Is annatto a natural colour?
Annatto is a natural-source colour because it is derived from annatto seeds. That describes its source, not an automatic guarantee that every use or extract is risk-free.
What ADIs did EFSA set for annatto?
EFSA’s follow-up assessment set ADIs of 6 mg bixin/kg body weight per day and 0.3 mg norbixin/kg body weight per day for the relevant colouring principles.
Does Goodnessly rate E160b as safe, caution or avoid?
Goodnessly rates E160b (annatto extracts) as Avoid.
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