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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use canthaxanthin as a color additive to give foods a desirable hue. It …
What it is
Canthaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment. It is found in some fungi, algae, and crustaceans, and can be produced synthetically for food use. It gives foods a yellow to reddish-orange color.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use canthaxanthin as a color additive to give foods a desirable hue. It is often found in seafood products like imitation crab and salmon, as well as in some dairy products and baked goods.
Health notes
Canthaxanthin is approved by the FDA as a color additive. It has been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA. While generally recognized as safe at typical levels, very high doses have been linked to crystalline deposits in the retina in some individuals, though this is rare and usually reversible upon discontinuation. Evidence regarding other health effects at typical consumption levels is mixed.
Allergen info
Canthaxanthin is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.