E160b: Annatto

What is E160b (Annatto)?

Annatto (E160b) is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical regions of the Americas. This vibrant orange-red pigment has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for food coloring, body paint, and traditional medicine. In modern food production, annatto is prized for its ability to impart colors ranging from yellow to deep orange-red, depending on concentration and application.

Source and Production

Annatto is obtained through the following process:

Harvesting: Seeds are harvested from the spiny heart-shaped fruits of the achiote tree 2. Extraction: Several methods are used to extract the pigment:
- Oil extraction: Seeds soaked in vegetable oil to produce oil-soluble extracts
- Alkaline extraction: Seeds processed in alkaline solution followed by precipitation
- Solvent extraction: Various solvents used to isolate pigments 3. Processing: The extract is refined, standardized, and formulated for specific food applications 4. Quality control: Tested for purity, color strength, and microbial content

The primary pigments in annatto are bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble), which are carotenoid compounds.

Common Uses in Food

E160b is widely used in a variety of food products, including:

Cheese (especially cheddar, Red Leicester, and other orange cheeses)
Butter and margarine
Ice cream and other dairy desserts
Baked goods and pastries
Snack foods
Breakfast cereals
Smoked fish
Sauces and condiments
Rice dishes (such as Spanish rice and paella)
Beverages

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Annatto has been evaluated by several regulatory bodies:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for annatto extracts ranges from 0-12 mg/kg body weight, depending on the specific extract form, as established by JECFA.

Potential Health Benefits

Beyond its coloring properties, annatto may offer certain health benefits:

Antioxidant activity: Contains carotenoids with antioxidant properties
Antimicrobial properties: Traditional uses suggest some antimicrobial action
Digestive aid: Used in traditional medicine for digestive issues
Vitamin E content: Some preparations contain vitamin E compounds

Safety Considerations

While generally considered safe, some considerations include:

Allergic reactions: Rare cases of allergic reactions have been reported
Cross-reactivity: Possible cross-reactions in those allergic to certain plant foods
Histamine sensitivity: May trigger symptoms in those with histamine intolerance

Regulatory Status

E160b (Annatto) is approved for use in most countries worldwide:

European Union: Approved as E160b
United States: FDA approved as a color additive exempt from certification
Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 160b
Canada: Permitted as a food coloring
Japan: Approved as a natural food color

Many countries classify annatto as a natural color, which may have less restrictive regulations compared to synthetic dyes.

Natural vs. Synthetic

Annatto is classified as a natural coloring agent:

Natural origin: Derived directly from a plant source
Minimal processing: Many forms involve relatively simple extraction processes
Traditional use: Long history of use in traditional cooking and medicine
Clean label: Meets consumer demand for natural ingredients

These characteristics make annatto particularly appealing for products marketed as natural, organic, or free from artificial additives.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Annatto has significant cultural importance:

Indigenous use: Used by indigenous peoples of Central and South America for centuries
Traditional cuisine: Essential in many traditional dishes from Latin America and the Caribbean
Medicinal applications: Used in traditional medicine systems
Textile dyeing: Historically used to color textiles and for body decoration

Alternatives to E160b

For those looking to avoid annatto, alternative natural colorings include:

Paprika extract (E160c)
Beta-carotene (E160a)
Turmeric/curcumin (E100)
Carrot extract
Saffron (E164)

Consumer Awareness

Consumers may find annatto on labels under various names:

E160b
Annatto
Annatto extract
Bixin or norbixin
Natural orange color
Achiote
CI Natural Orange 4

Conclusion

E160b (Annatto) is a natural food coloring with an excellent safety profile, as reflected by its low toxicity rating of 1. Its long history of traditional use, combined with modern safety assessments, makes it one of the preferred natural coloring options in the food industry. While rare allergic reactions are possible, the vast majority of consumers can enjoy foods containing annatto without concern. Its status as a plant-derived coloring aligns well with growing consumer preferences for natural food ingredients.