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E160b: Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin

CI 75120

Origin:
Natural colour isolated from the seeds of the annatto tree (Bixa orellana ). Annatto is the name of the crude extract, whereas bixin is the fat-soluble colour and norbixin the water-soluble colour.

Function & characteristics:
Food colour whose colour ranges from red to brown depending on the solvent used for extraction.

Products:
Many different products.

Daily intake:
Up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight for annatto, and 0.065 mg/kg body weight for bixin.

Side effects:
Annatto can cause allergies and eczema. It is not always known which component in the mixture is the causative agent of the side effects.

Dietary restrictions:
None; E160b can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.