Fruit And Vegetable Juice And Beta Carotene

This ingredient is a coloring agent made from fruit and vegetable juices, often combined with beta-carotene, a naturally occurring pigment found in plants. The juices provide natural colors, while beta-carotene can be added to enhance or standardize the color of the final product. The specific fruits and vegetables used can vary widely.

Manufacturers use this ingredient to provide a natural coloring for foods and beverages. It can create shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is commonly found in juices, nectars, fruit drinks, and sodas.

The FDA considers beta-carotene a nutrient and it is permitted as a color additive. Fruit and vegetable juices are generally recognized as safe. Regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated various natural colorants. While generally considered safe, high intake of beta-carotene from supplements can lead to carotenemia, a harmless yellowing of the skin. The combination of juices and beta-carotene is not typically associated with adverse health effects at the levels used in food.