Carotene

Carotene is a group of naturally occurring pigments found in plants, algae, and some bacteria. Beta-carotene, the most common form, is abundant in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It can be extracted from natural sources or synthesized.

Carotene is primarily used as a natural food colorant, providing yellow to orange hues. It is found in a wide variety of foods, including baked goods, dairy products, beverages, and processed snacks, to enhance their visual appeal.

In the US, beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is also a precursor to Vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated carotenes. At typical dietary levels, it is considered safe. High-dose supplements of beta-carotene have been linked to increased lung cancer risk in smokers, but this is not typically a concern with food sources.