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Answer: Beta-Carotene 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: Land O'Lakes Butter, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Tropicana Premium Orange Juice.
TL;DR: Beta-Carotene is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (color).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
Also called provitamin A. (E160a) CAS 7235-40-7.
Other names: E160a, provitamin A, carotene
| 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 |
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.
Colors margarines, cheeses, beverages, and baked goods with natural-looking yellow-orange tones and provides provitamin A nutritional value.
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Beta-Carotenewith 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 extract (E160c), turmeric (E100), and spirulina extract provide natural alternatives for yellow/orange coloring.
Yes. Food additive levels of beta-carotene are safe and nutritionally beneficial. The lung cancer risk applies only to high-dose supplements in smokers.
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.
It occurs naturally in plants and can be extracted from algae (natural) or produced synthetically. Both forms are approved.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A; the body converts it to retinol as needed.
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