Is Annatto Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Annatto is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Also called achiote. (E160b) CAS 1393-63-1.
Other names: E160b, bixin, norbixin, achiote
Is Annatto banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Kraft Natural Cheese, Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheez-It Crackers, Count Chocula Cereal, Velveeta |
| CAS number | 1393-63-1 |
What is Annatto?
Annatto is a natural orange-yellow colorant extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical America. The active coloring compounds are bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble). It has been used for centuries in Latin American cuisine for both coloring and mild flavoring. In processed foods, it provides a yellow to orange color in cheese, butter, and snacks.
Why is Annatto used in food?
Provides a natural yellow-to-orange color in cheese, butter, crackers, and cereals as an alternative to synthetic dyes.
Is Annatto dangerous? Documented risks
Generally considered safe. However, annatto has been associated with allergic reactions, including hives (urticaria), in sensitive individuals — more frequently than most other natural food colorants. A 2008 review in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology documented cases of annatto-induced reactions. There is also ongoing debate among consumer advocates (including CSPI) about whether annatto is truly risk-free due to these allergic properties, though EFSA and FDA maintain it is safe at approved use levels.
Common US products containing Annatto
How to avoid Annatto: safer alternatives
Paprika oleoresin (E160c), turmeric (E100), or beta-carotene (E160a) provide natural yellow-orange coloring alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Annatto
Is annatto a natural colorant?
Yes. It is derived from achiote seeds and is one of the most widely used natural food colorants globally.
Can annatto cause allergic reactions?
Yes — annatto is associated with hives and allergic responses more commonly than most natural colorants. Sensitive individuals should avoid it.
Is annatto the same as turmeric?
No. Annatto (bixin/norbixin) provides orange color from achiote seeds; turmeric (curcumin) provides yellow from turmeric root.
Is annatto banned anywhere?
No. It is approved in the EU as E160b and in the US.
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Sources
- Annatto food coloring and hypersensitivity reactions — Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology / PubMed
- EFSA re-evaluation of annatto bixin (E 160b) — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.