Colored With Annatto

Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). The seeds are ground and extracted with oil or water to produce a yellow to red-orange pigment. It is used to give foods a yellow, orange, or red hue.

Annatto is primarily used as a natural food colorant. Manufacturers add it to a wide variety of products to impart a desirable color, often mimicking the shades of cheese, butter, or egg yolks. It is commonly found in baked goods, dairy products like cheese and ice cream, snacks, and processed meats.

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 the levels typically used in food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated annatto and its derivatives. Evidence does not suggest significant health concerns associated with its consumption in typical amounts.