E161I · Colours
Citranaxanthin
Safe, but mostly restricted to poultry feed.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
A deep orange-red carotenoid pigment.
How it is used in food
Provides a natural yellow pigment.
Commonly found in- Animal feed (to color egg yolks)
Health and safety
No known risks at dietary intake levels.
Recognised as safe, but not commonly used as a commercial food colour.
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
- E161i
Worth knowing
It is a rare carotenoid pigment found in some plants.
Conclusion
Safe, but mostly restricted to poultry feed.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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