Cantaxanthin
Learn what Cantaxanthin (E161g) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Cantaxanthin?
Food additive from the natural colorants category. The substance is present in many plants and in the feathers of certain birds. For commercial use, it is obtained from catharelles (mushrooms) or flamingo feathers. It is also synthetically obtained from carotene. It is slightly soluble in water, orange in color, and used in Strasbourg sausages in an amount of 15 mg/kg. It is also used in the feed of farmed salmon and trout, as well as laying hens (to achieve a more intense coloration of egg yolks).
Why is Cantaxanthin added to food?
Cantaxanthin (E161g) is a colorant commonly found in: Strasbourg sausages.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for humans is up to 0.03 mg/kg body weight.
Is Cantaxanthin banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Cantaxanthin okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Cantaxanthin
- Strasbourg sausages
How to spot Cantaxanthin on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E161g
- Cantaxanthin
Common misspellings to watch for:
- cdntaxanthin
- cantdxanthin
- cantaxanthln
- cantaxdnthin
- cantaxanthin
- eantaxanthin
Better alternatives
• May cause allergic reactions in some individuals, such as skin rashes or itching. • Excessive consumption may lead to pigment deposition in the skin (carotenemia), resulting in yellowing of the skin. • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to unclear effects on fetal development. • Individuals with liver or kidney conditions should consult a doctor before use.
Also known as
- cdntaxanthin
- cantdxanthin
- cantaxanthln
- cantaxdnthin
- cantaxanthin
- eantaxanthin
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Cantaxanthin? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E161g — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Cantaxanthin
- Is Cantaxanthin safe to eat?
- Cantaxanthin has a harm level of 1 out of 3. Low concern.
- Is Cantaxanthin banned anywhere?
- Cantaxanthin is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Cantaxanthin safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Cantaxanthin on a food label?
- Look for E161g, Cantaxanthin in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: cdntaxanthin, cantdxanthin, cantaxanthln.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.