Annatto-turmeric

Annatto-turmeric is a food coloring made from annatto seeds and turmeric. Annatto comes from the pulp of the achiote tree fruit, native to tropical regions of the Americas. Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, native to South Asia.

This blend is used to provide a yellow to orange color in foods. It is often found in dairy products, baked goods, and snack foods. Manufacturers use it as a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes.

Annatto and turmeric are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food ingredients. Both have been used for centuries in foods and traditional medicine. Some studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory properties for turmeric, but more research is needed. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and turmeric, and they have established acceptable daily intakes for annatto. No significant health concerns are associated with their consumption at typical dietary levels.