Annatto Vitamin A Palmitate
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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 range of yellow to deep orange colors.
Why it's used
Annatto is used to impart a yellow to orange color to foods such as cheese, butter, baked goods, and snack foods. It is a natural alternative to synthetic food dyes and is valued for its mild flavor profile.
Health notes
Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. Scientific bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated annatto and its extracts. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, although this is rare.
Allergen info
Annatto is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.