Color Additive · EU 161h
Zeaxanthin
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Zeaxanthin is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. The European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Zeaxanthin 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
Zeaxanthin: the EU E-number regulatory record
Zeaxanthin: no OFF product match; EU code 161h is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 161h | 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 in our EFSA data | 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.
Zeaxanthin: what it is
Zeaxanthin is a food additive (161h) classified as color additive.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of canthaxanthin -E 161 g- as a food additive
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Zeaxanthin among its nationwide catalog-profile peers
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 Zeaxanthin safe to consume?
Zeaxanthin scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 161h is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Zeaxanthin used for in food?
Zeaxanthin (161h) is catalogued for Processed foods, beverages, confectionery; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Zeaxanthin?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Zeaxanthin: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of canthaxanthin -E 161 g- as a food additive. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.