Is Beta-Carotene Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Beta-Carotene is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Also called provitamin A. (E160a) CAS 7235-40-7.
Other names: E160a, provitamin A, carotene
Is Beta-Carotene banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Land O'Lakes Butter, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Tropicana Premium Orange Juice, Quaker Life Cereal, Various margarines |
| CAS number | 7235-40-7 |
What is Beta-Carotene?
Beta-carotene is an orange pigment found abundantly in carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. As a food additive (E160a), it is used as a coloring agent providing yellow to orange hues. It also functions as a precursor to vitamin A in the body. Commercial beta-carotene used as a food additive can be extracted from algae (Dunaliella salina) or produced synthetically.
Why is Beta-Carotene used in food?
Colors margarines, cheeses, beverages, and baked goods with natural-looking yellow-orange tones and provides provitamin A nutritional value.
Is Beta-Carotene dangerous? Documented risks
Beta-carotene from food is considered safe and beneficial. However, high-dose beta-carotene supplements (25 mg/day and above) were associated with increased lung cancer risk in two major clinical trials — ATBC (1994) and CARET (1996) — specifically in heavy smokers and asbestos-exposed workers. Food-level exposure from coloring use is far below supplemental doses. Harmless skin yellowing (carotenemia) can occur with very high dietary intake. As a food additive colorant, no significant safety concerns exist.
Common US products containing Beta-Carotene
- High Protein Baked Bar Chocolate Peanut ButterRobert Irvine's Fit Crunch
- SPARKLING ORANGECELSIUS
- Tropical Vibe Sparkling Starfruit Pineapple EditionCELSIUS
- PEACH VIBE SPARKLING WHITE PEACH EDITIONCELSIUS
- Açai-Blueberry-Pomegranate XXX Nutrient Enhanced Waterglaceau
- ARCTIC Vibe SPARKLING FROZEN ENERGY EDITIONCELSIUS
- Tropical Citrus Energy Nutrient Enhanced WaterGlacéau
- Thin crust jalapeño popper pizzaMama cozzi's
How to avoid Beta-Carotene: safer alternatives
Paprika extract (E160c), turmeric (E100), and spirulina extract provide natural alternatives for yellow/orange coloring.
Frequently asked questions about Beta-Carotene
Is beta-carotene in food safe?
Yes. Food additive levels of beta-carotene are safe and nutritionally beneficial. The lung cancer risk applies only to high-dose supplements in smokers.
Can beta-carotene cause cancer?
High-dose beta-carotene supplements increased lung cancer risk in clinical trials involving heavy smokers and asbestos workers. Food amounts are not associated with this risk.
Is beta-carotene natural?
It occurs naturally in plants and can be extracted from algae (natural) or produced synthetically. Both forms are approved.
Is beta-carotene the same as vitamin A?
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A; the body converts it to retinol as needed.
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Sources
- ATBC Cancer Prevention Study — Beta-Carotene and Lung Cancer in Smokers — New England Journal of Medicine / PubMed
- EFSA re-evaluation of beta-carotene (E 160a) as a food additive — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.