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The facts: Annatto is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Annatto on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Kraft Natural Cheese, Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheez-It Crackers.
TL;DR: Annatto is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Kraft Natural Cheese, Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheez-It Crackers, Count Chocula Cereal, Velveeta |
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 Annatto with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Annatto is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Kraft Natural Cheese, Land O'Lakes Butter, Cheez-It Crackers, Count Chocula Cereal, Velveeta. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Annatto.
Paprika oleoresin (E160c), turmeric (E100), or beta-carotene (E160a) provide natural yellow-orange coloring alternatives. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Annatto or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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Audited products that don't contain Annatto.
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