Annatto
What is Annatto?
Annatto is a natural food colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground and then extracted using oil or water to produce a range of yellow to red-orange colours.
Is Annatto vegan?
Annatto is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Annatto gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Annatto a major allergen?
Annatto is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Annatto used for?
Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to deep orange colour to foods, mimicking the colour of cheese or adding visual appeal.
Is Annatto safe?
Annatto is authorised as a food additive in the UK and the EU and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to deep orange colour to foods, mimicking the colour of cheese or adding visual appeal. It is commonly found in cheese products, baked goods, crisps, and processed snacks.
Health notes
Annatto is authorised as a food additive in the UK and the EU and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is assigned the E number E160b. EFSA has evaluated annatto and it has been assigned an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). At typical consumption levels, annatto is not associated with adverse health effects. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, though this is rare.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products | 15 |
| 1.7.2 ripened cheese | 15 |
| 1.7.3 edible cheese rind | 20 |
| 1.7.5 processed cheese | 15 |
| 2.1 fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat) | 10 |
| 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions | 10 |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | 20 |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | 20 |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | 20 |
| 4.2.6 processed potato products | 10 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 30 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 80 |
| 6.5 Noodles | 20 |
| 6.6 Batters | 50 |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | 20 |
| 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat | 20 |
| 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products | 20 |
| 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat | 50 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 10 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 30 |
| 12.5 Soups and broths | 15 |
| 12.6 Sauces | 30 |
| 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinks | 20 |
| 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 | 10 |
| 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks | 20 |
| 15.2 Processed nuts | 10 |
| 16 Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4 | 15 |
Allergen info
Annatto is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Annatto
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