Annatto, bixina, norbixina

What is Annatto, bixina, norbixina?

Food additives from the category of natural colorants, obtained from the seeds of the annatto tree (Bixa orellana). Annatto is the name of the raw extract, while bixina is the fat-soluble colorant, and norbixina is the water-soluble colorant. The color range varies from red to brown depending on the solvent used for extraction. It is used in aged and processed cheeses (15-50 mg/kg), margarine and other emulsified fats (10 mg/kg), breakfast cereals (25 mg/kg), snacks (20 mg/kg), desserts and fine bakery products (10 mg/kg), confectionery decorations (20 mg/kg), and some liqueurs (10 mg/kg).

Why is Annatto, bixina, norbixina added to food?

Annatto, bixina, norbixina (E160b) is a colorant commonly found in: Aged cheeses, margarine.

Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for human consumption is up to 12 mg/kg body weight for bixina and 0.6 mg/kg body weight for norbixina.

Is Annatto, bixina, norbixina safe?

Annatto may cause allergies and eczema due to an as-yet unknown component.

Is Annatto, bixina, norbixina banned anywhere?

Is Annatto, bixina, norbixina okay for kids?

These additives are not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.

Common foods that contain Annatto, bixina, norbixina

• Aged cheeses
• margarine

See the full list of foods that contain Annatto, bixina, norbixina →

How to spot Annatto, bixina, norbixina on labels

Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:

• E160b
• Annatto, bixina, norbixina
• annatto norbixina

Better alternatives

• May cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivity in individuals sensitive to plants or seeds from the Annatto family. • Excessive consumption may lead to digestive effects such as diarrhea or abdominal discomfort. • Not recommended for individuals with allergies to seeds or plants from the Annatto family. • People with liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor before use. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before consuming products containing annatto, bixina, or norbixina.

Explore homemade alternatives to processed snacks →

Also known as

• annatto norbixina
• anndtto, bixina, norbixina
• annatto, bixina, norblxina
• annatto norbixind
• annatto norblxina
• annatto, bixina, norbixind
• annatto norbixina
• annatto norbixlna
• annatto, bixlna, norbixina
• dnnatto, bixina, norbixina
• annatto, bixina, norbixina
• annatto, blxina, norbixina
• annatto, bixina, norbixlna
• annatto, bixind, norbixina
• dnnatto norbixina
• anndtto norbixina

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