Color Additive · EU 160a
Plant Carotenes
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Plant Carotenes is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Plant Carotenes is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
E-number regulatory snapshot
Plant Carotenes: no OFF product match; EU code 160a is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 160a | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
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 Plant Carotenes?
Plant Carotenes is a food additive (160a) classified as color additive.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Safety of the proposed extension of use of synthetic Beta-carotene [E 160aii] in foods for special medical purposes in young children. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Plant Carotenes
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plant Carotenes safe to consume?
Plant Carotenes scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 160a is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Plant Carotenes used for in food?
Plant Carotenes (160a) is catalogued for Processed foods, beverages, confectionery; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Plant Carotenes?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Plant Carotenes: EFSA evaluation: Safety of the proposed extension of use of synthetic Beta-carotene [E 160aii] in foods for special medical purposes in young children. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.