Annato

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 an oil or liquid to create a vibrant yellow to deep orange-red color.

Annatto is used to add a yellow to orange color to foods. Manufacturers use it in products like cheese, butter, ice cream, baked goods, and snack foods to give them a more appealing appearance.

In the U.S., annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and have not set a numeric acceptable daily intake, indicating it is considered safe at typical consumption levels. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, though this is rare.