Colour: Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a pigment found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, like carrots and sweet potatoes. It is responsible for their orange and yellow colors. It can be produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources for use as a food additive.

Manufacturers add beta-carotene to foods primarily as a colorant, providing yellow, orange, and red hues. It is often found in dairy products, baked goods, beverages, and confectionery.

In the US, beta-carotene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is also a source of Vitamin A in the body. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated beta-carotene. While generally considered safe, very high intakes from supplements have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers, but this is not typically a concern from food sources.