Canthaxanthin And Astaxanthin Color Added Through Feed

Canthaxanthin and astaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that give food a reddish-orange to yellow color. They are naturally found in some plants and animals, like salmon and shrimp. In animal feed, they are added to influence the color of the animal's flesh or eggs.

These pigments are added to animal feed, primarily for farmed salmon and trout, to give their flesh a more desirable pink or orange-red color, mimicking that of wild salmon. They can also be used to color egg yolks a deeper yellow.

In the U.S., canthaxanthin is approved by the FDA as a color additive. Astaxanthin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in animal feed. Both are carotenoids, which are antioxidants. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated canthaxanthin and set acceptable daily intakes. Research on the health effects of astaxanthin is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential benefits related to inflammation and oxidative stress.