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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
It is used to impart a yellow to orange-red color to various foods. You …
What it is
Annatto color is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). The color is extracted from the reddish-orange coating of these seeds.
Why it's used
It is used to impart a yellow to orange-red color to various foods. You can find it in products like cheese, butter, margarine, snack foods, and baked goods.
Health notes
Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated annatto extracts and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated annatto and confirmed its safety at specified levels. While generally well-tolerated, there have been rare reports of allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling, in sensitive individuals.
Allergen info
Annatto is not one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA, nor is it derived from them. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.