Color Additive · CAS 7235-40-7 · EU E160a
Beta-Carotene
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Beta-Carotene is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #89 of 417.
- #89 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Beta-Carotene is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #89 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (79th percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #89 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Beta-Carotene: 309 tracked U.S. products (common band, #89 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 309 · #89 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E160a | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7235-40-7 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Beta-Carotene?
Natural orange pigment, precursor to vitamin A.
Health Concerns
- Safe as food color.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (309 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 309
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beta-Carotene safe to consume?
Beta-Carotene scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (309 tracked products, #89 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Beta-Carotene used for in food?
Beta-Carotene shows up as Margarine, cheese, beverages, baked goods in the Color Additive class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (309 products).
Where does Beta-Carotene sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #89 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Beta-Carotene?
The FDA classifies Beta-Carotene as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E160a). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Beta-Carotene?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Beta-Carotene: Safe as food color.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.