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E 160b(ii)Colours

Annatto norbixin

Characteristics

Additive NameAnnatto norbixin
E No.E 160b(ii)
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A natural orange-red dye extracted from the seeds of the annatto plant, native to tropical America. It colours everything from cheese rinds and processed cheese to ice cream, jams, and snack foods. The norbixin form is oil-insoluble, making it ideal for surface coatings and water-based products. Generally considered safe by EFSA and FDA, though it has a notable asterisk — annatto is one of the more common natural colorants linked to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including hives and digestive issues. Not a concern for most people, but worth knowing if you have unexplained food sensitivities.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 26 food categories:

1.4flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products
Maximum Level = 4 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 = 8 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.
1.7.6cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16)
Maximum Level = 8 mg/kg
only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white products’
3edible ices
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
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 = 25 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 = 20 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.
6.3breakfast cereals
Maximum Level = 20 mg/kg
only extruded puffed and or fruit-flavoured breakfast cereals’
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.
7.2Fine bakery wares
Maximum Level = 10 mg/kg
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 = 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.
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.
14.2.8Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %
Maximum Level = 10 mg/L
only alcoholic beverages with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %
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 = 7.5 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.

Source

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E 160b(ii) - Annatto norbixin | E-Number Information