Artificial Flavor Annatto

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.

Annatto is used to impart a yellow to orange color to foods, often in dairy products like cheese and butter, as well as in baked goods, snacks, and processed meats. It is chosen for its natural origin and its ability to provide a warm, appealing hue without significantly altering flavor.

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 typical consumption levels. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have also evaluated annatto, and it is permitted for use in the EU. While generally considered safe, some individuals may have sensitivities.