E 160a Carotenes

What is E 160a?

E 160a is the E number of Carotenes. Yellow to orange pigments also found in carrots. They are extracted from plants or algae, made synthetically or produced with microorganisms, and are used in margarine, cheese and drinks.

What is E 160a used for?

E 160a belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

• Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Which foods may contain E 160a?

According to the European Commission's database, E 160a may be used in 57 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 160a vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 160a linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 160a appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 160a" or "Colour: Carotenes".