What is E160c?
A paprika-derived colour extract used to give specified foods a yellow, orange or red appearance. Goodnessly rates E160c Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.
A paprika-derived colour extract used to give specified foods a yellow, orange or red appearance. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Paprika oleoresins?
Paprika oleoresins is A paprika-derived colour extract used to give specified foods a yellow, orange or red appearance. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.
What's it used for?
- Providing paprika-derived colour
- Helping create a consistent food appearance
- Serving a specified colour function
- Appearing in foods where the colour category permits it
Where you'll find E160c on the shelf
You may see E160c in packaged foods where its technical function is useful and the food category permits it.
Is E160c permitted? What the regulators say
Paprika oleoresins is listed in the checked AU/NZ and EU frameworks with conditions. Permission is conditional: category, level, identity and specifications matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 160c for specified food uses in the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The consolidated Union list includes E160c for specified categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA’s 21 CFR 73.345 covers paprika oleoresin as a colour additive for specified uses. [FDA source] |
Goodnessly rates E160c Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA completed its paprika extract re-evaluation in 2015. The current EU colour conditions and US colour-additive provision were checked for identity and specified uses.
- EFSA’s 2015 re-evaluation established an ADI of 24 mg paprika extract/kg body weight/day, equivalent to 1.7 mg total carotenoids/kg body weight/day based on the composition assessed. The value is tied to the identity and specifications in the opinion.
- Regulatory permissions can change; confirm the primary source when a product, recipe or use is unusual.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing additive functions across products
- People checking the frequency of this ingredient in their usual foods
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E160c Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Paprika oleoresins
- Paprika extract
- 160c
- E160c
- Additive class (160c)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E160c?
E160c is Paprika oleoresins, A paprika-derived colour extract used to give specified foods a yellow, orange or red appearance.
Is E160c permitted?
E160c is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. FDA lists it for specified food uses.
What should I know about paprika oleoresins?
EFSA’s 2015 re-evaluation established an ADI of 24 mg paprika extract/kg body weight/day, equivalent to 1.7 mg total carotenoids/kg body weight/day based on the composition assessed. The value is tied to the identity and specifications in the opinion.
How does Goodnessly rate E160c?
Goodnessly rates E160c (Paprika oleoresins) as Safe within its rating system.
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