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E 160b(i)Colours

Annatto bixin

Characteristics

Additive NameAnnatto bixin
E No.E 160b(i)
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A natural orange-red colourant extracted from the seeds of the annatto tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. Used widely in cheeses, butter, margarine, snacks, and processed foods to give that familiar golden or orange hue. Generally considered safe by EFSA and FDA. However, it is one of the more common causes of natural food dye allergic reactions — some people experience hives or digestive issues. Not to be confused with being synthetic; it is plant-derived, but "natural" does not always mean reaction-free.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 25 food categories:

1.4flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products
Maximum Level = 15 mg/L
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
1.7.2ripened cheese
Maximum Level = 15 mg/kg
only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white cheese and red and green pesto cheese
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
1.7.3edible cheese rind
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
1.7.5processed cheese
Maximum Level = 15 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
2.1fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat)
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
only fats
2.2.2Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
excluding reduced fat butter’
4.2.5jam jellies and marmalades and similar products
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
except chestnut purée
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
4.2.5.3other similar fruit or vegetable spreads
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
except crème de pruneaux
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
4.2.6processed potato products
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
only dried potato granules and flakes
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
5.2Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets
Maximum Level = 30 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
5.4Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4
Maximum Level = 80 mg/kg
only decorations and coatings
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
6.5Noodles
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
6.6Batters
Maximum Level = 50 mg/kg
only batters for coating
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
8.2Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
only breakfast sausages with a minimum cereal content of 6 % and burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 % mixed within the meat; In these products, the meat is minced in such a way so that the muscle and fat tissue are completely dispersed, so that fibre makes an emulsion with the fat, giving those products their typical appearance
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
8.3.1Non-heat-treated processed meat
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
only chorizo sausage, salchichon, pasturmas and sobrasada
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
8.3.2Heat-treated processed meat
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
only sausages, pâtés, terrines and luncheon meat
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
8.3.3Casings and coatings and decorations for meat
Maximum Level = 50 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
9.2Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
only smoked fish
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
12.5Soups and broths
Maximum Level = 15 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
12.6Sauces
Maximum Level = 30 mg/kg
including pickles, relishes, chutney and piccalilli; excluding tomato-based sauces
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
14.2.6Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787
Maximum Level = 10 mg/L
only liqueurs’
15.1Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
15.2Processed nuts
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
16Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4
Maximum Level = 15 mg/kg
Footnote 94: When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.
14.1.4Flavoured_drinks
Maximum Level = 20 mg/L

Source

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E 160b(i) - Annatto bixin | E-Number Information