Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid
Generally considered safe but largely obsolete.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A synthetic orange-red carotenoid dye used similarly to beta-carotene.
How it is used in food
Historically supplied a stable yellow-orange colour to beverages, soups, sauces and confectionery, with better resistance to oxidation and pH change than plant extracts of similar hue, plus modest provitamin A activity. Its practical role has now been taken over by beta-carotene (E160a) and paprika extract (E160c).
Commonly found in- Dairy products
- Beverages
Health and safety
Historically deemed safe, though its approval has lapsed or been withdrawn in the EU due to a lack of commercial interest and updated safety data.
EFSA reviewed the carotenoid colours in 2012 and could not complete a full assessment of this ester for want of current toxicological and use data; it was subsequently removed from the EU list of authorised food additives. Finding it in a European product today would be unexpected.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E160f
Worth knowing
It is one of a small set of additives that disappeared from the European list not because a problem was found, but because nobody was using it — when regulators asked industry to fund updated safety data, there was no commercial interest to justify the cost, so the entry was allowed to lapse.
Conclusion
Generally considered safe but largely obsolete.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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