Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C30)
A safe, naturally derived coloring agent.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that provides an orange-red color.
How it is used in food
Gives a bright orange to orange-red shade that is more heat- and light-stable than many natural extracts, so it holds colour in soft drinks, sauces, soups, confectionery and processed cheese through pasteurisation and storage. Because it carries provitamin A activity, part of what is consumed is converted by the body into retinol.
Commonly found in- Cheese
- Sauces
- Confectionery
Health and safety
Generally recognized as safe and can act as a precursor to Vitamin A.
EFSA re-evaluated it in 2012 and established an ADI of 0.05 mg per kg of body weight per day, based on liver findings at much higher doses in animals; estimated dietary exposure in Europe sat well below that figure. Its vitamin A activity is about half that of beta-carotene.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E160e
Worth knowing
Although the commercial additive is made by chemical synthesis, the molecule itself is nature-identical: beta-apo-8′-carotenal occurs in trace amounts in citrus fruit, spinach and other green leaves as a breakdown product of beta-carotene. It is fat-soluble, so it is sold as an emulsion or dispersion for use in water-based drinks.
Conclusion
A safe, naturally derived coloring agent.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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