What is E160e?
beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e) is a carotenoid colour used to give foods a yellow to orange shade under specified conditions. Goodnessly rates E160e Safe, while food-category permissions and the relevant regulator assessment still apply.
beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e) is a carotenoid colour used to give foods a yellow to orange shade under specified conditions. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is beta-apo-8'-carotenal?
beta-apo-8'-carotenal is a carotenoid colour additive. In food, E160e is used for colour rather than as a nutrient claim.
What's it used for?
- Adding yellow or orange colour
- Supporting colour consistency
- Colouring selected foods and preparations
- Providing a carotenoid-derived colour option
Where you'll find E160e on the shelf
You may see E160e in foods where a yellow or orange appearance is wanted, including prepared foods, sauces and other colour-controlled formulations.
Is E160e permitted? What the regulators say
E160e is listed or permitted in the three systems checked, with category, level and specification conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists 160e beta-apo-8’-carotenal and Schedule 15 food-category permissions and levels apply. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The Union list includes E160e beta-apo-8’-carotenal for specified foods and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA permanently lists beta-apo-8’-carotenal as an exempt-from-certification colour under 21 CFR 73.90, generally limited to 15 mg/lb of solid food or 15 mg/pint of liquid food. |
Goodnessly rates E160e Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA lists the re-evaluation of beta-apo-8’-carotenal as completed in 2014. JECFA’s 2019 specification monograph confirms the group ADI and sets identity and purity specifications.
- JECFA established a group ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight for the sum of carotenoids including beta-carotene, beta-apo-8’-carotenal and the methyl and ethyl esters of beta-apo-8’-carotenoic acid. Food-category and use limits still apply.
- An ADI or “not specified” conclusion is a population risk-assessment reference, not a statement that a particular food is unsafe.
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 colours used across different products
- People checking the amount and frequency of coloured foods
- People who want to consider carotenoid colours alongside the whole ingredient list
Goodnessly rates E160e Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- beta-apo-8'-carotenal
- 8’-apo-beta-carotenal
- 160e or E160e
- Colour (160e)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E160e?
E160e is beta-apo-8'-carotenal, a carotenoid colour used in specified food applications.
Is E160e permitted?
E160e is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. FDA lists it as an exempt-from-certification colour under 21 CFR 73.90 with stated limits.
Does E160e have an ADI?
JECFA’s group ADI is 0–5 mg/kg body weight for the specified group of carotenoids, including beta-apo-8’-carotenal.
How does Goodnessly rate E160e?
Goodnessly rates E160e (beta-apo-8'-carotenal) as Safe within its rating system.
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