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Answer: Annatto is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US food. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Kraft Natural Cheese, Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheez-It Crackers.
TL;DR: Annatto is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called achiote. (E160b) CAS 1393-63-1.
Other names: E160b, bixin, norbixin, achiote
| 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 |
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.
Provides a natural yellow-to-orange color in cheese, butter, crackers, and cereals as an alternative to synthetic dyes.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Annattowith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Paprika oleoresin (E160c), turmeric (E100), or beta-carotene (E160a) provide natural yellow-orange coloring alternatives.
Yes. It is derived from achiote seeds and is one of the most widely used natural food colorants globally.
Yes — annatto is associated with hives and allergic responses more commonly than most natural colorants. Sensitive individuals should avoid it.
No. Annatto (bixin/norbixin) provides orange color from achiote seeds; turmeric (curcumin) provides yellow from turmeric root.
No. It is approved in the EU as E160b and in the US.
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