What is E161b?
A yellow carotenoid colour used in specified foods; the source, preparation and permitted level matter. Goodnessly rates E161b Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.
A yellow carotenoid colour used in specified foods; the source, preparation and permitted level matter. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Lutein?
Lutein is A yellow carotenoid colour used in specified foods; the source, preparation and permitted level matter. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.
What's it used for?
- Providing yellow-to-orange colour
- Helping give a food a consistent appearance
- Appearing in specified colour applications
- Serving a defined food-colour function
Where you'll find E161b on the shelf
You may see E161b in packaged foods where its technical function is useful and the food category permits it.
Is E161b permitted? What the regulators say
Lutein 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 161b for specified food uses in the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The consolidated Union list includes E161b for specified categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA colour-additive regulations cover specified lutein and xanthophyll preparations, including 21 CFR 73.275, 73.295 and 73.315. [FDA source] |
Goodnessly rates E161b Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA published the lutein re-evaluation in 2010 and separately assessed other lutein preparations in 2011. Current EU conditions and the specified US colour provisions were checked.
- EFSA’s 2010 re-evaluation established an ADI of 1 mg/kg body weight/day for qualifying Tagetes erecta lutein preparations. That value is specific to the preparations and specifications covered by 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 E161b Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Lutein
- 161b
- E161b
- Additive class (161b)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E161b?
E161b is Lutein, A yellow carotenoid colour used in specified foods; the source, preparation and permitted level matter.
Is E161b permitted?
E161b is listed with conditions in Australia/New Zealand and the EU. FDA lists it for specified food uses.
What should I know about lutein?
EFSA’s 2010 re-evaluation established an ADI of 1 mg/kg body weight/day for qualifying Tagetes erecta lutein preparations. That value is specific to the preparations and specifications covered by the opinion.
How does Goodnessly rate E161b?
Goodnessly rates E161b (Lutein) as Safe within its rating system.
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