And Naturally Extracted Annatto
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What it is
Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground into a powder or extracted into oil or liquid to create a vibrant yellow-orange to deep red colorant.
Why it's used
Annatto is used to provide a natural yellow to orange color in a variety of foods. Manufacturers add it to products like cheeses, butter, baked goods, snacks, and cereals to enhance their visual appeal.
Health notes
Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at the levels typically used in food. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and found it to be safe for consumption.
Allergen info
Annatto is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.