Beta Carotene And Propellant
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What it is
Beta carotene is a pigment found in plants, giving them yellow, orange, and red colors. It is often used as a food coloring. Propellant is a gas used to expel food products from containers, such as cooking sprays.
Why it's used
Beta carotene is added to foods as a natural coloring agent, often to give products an orange or yellow hue. It is commonly found in dairy products, baked goods, and beverages. Propellants are used in aerosol cans to spray cooking oils and other food products.
Health notes
Beta carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. It is also a source of vitamin A in the diet. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta carotene. High doses of beta carotene supplements have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically a concern with dietary intake from food.
Allergen info
Beta carotene is not a major allergen. It is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.