E160a Beta Carotene 1% Colour - Cambridge Commodities

Product code: P3104

This ingredient is a β-carotene powdered preparation, carried on 30-50% maltodextrin, 40-60% gum acacia and 10-30% rapeseed oil. A small amount of antioxidant is used (DL-Alpha Tocopherol, Rosemary Extract) as well as some anti-caking agent (silicon dioxide). β-carotene can be used either as an additive (as an orange colour) or as a nutrient (to provide vitamin A). Beta carotene gets its name from carrots, because it is the orange pigment naturally found in carrots.

Beta-Carotene as an additive

Carotenes are authorised as an additive and have the e-number ‘E 160a’. Beta carotene is also known as ‘CI Food Orange 5’. This particular p-code is a diluted and stabilised preparation of ‘E 160a (i); E 160a (i) is the all trans isomer of beta-carotene together with minor amounts of other carotenoids. It is from synthetic source. There are other types of beta carotenes, including E 160a (ii), which is the type that is derived from plant source (such as carrots/vegetable oils/grass/alfalfa/nettle), and E 160a (iii), which is the beta carotene that is derived by fermentation from Blakeslea trispora.

To check usage levels of beta carotene as a food additive, check the food additives regulation (1333/2008) to see permitted usage levels and conditions of use based on the type of product. Carotenes are part of ‘Group II, Colours’.

To find out more information about the safety of beta carotene as an additive, see the following link for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Scientific Opinion: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2593

Β- Carotene is a red/orange-coloured fat-soluble terpenoid with antioxidant properties. Carotenoids are susceptible to oxidation and therefore vitamin E has been used in this preparation to make it more stable.

Β-Carotene appears yellow to orange in most applications (depending on the concentration) and is acceptable to use in a wide pH range of 2-14. It generally has good stability to heat (up to 100°C), light and acid.

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