Each Of The Following: Annatto

Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The seeds are ground into a powder or processed into a paste, oil, or liquid extract, yielding a range of yellow to red-orange hues.

Annatto is primarily used to impart a yellow to deep orange color to foods, mimicking the color of egg yolks or butter. It is commonly found in cheeses, butter, baked goods, processed meats, and snack foods.

In the U.S., 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 typical consumption levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated annatto, and EFSA has also reviewed its safety. No significant health controversies are associated with its use.