Vegetable Annatto Color And Vitamin A Palmitate

This ingredient is a combination of annatto, a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, and vitamin A palmitate, a synthetic form of vitamin A. Annatto provides a yellow to orange color, while vitamin A palmitate is added for nutritional fortification.

Manufacturers use this ingredient to add a yellow or orange hue to foods and to fortify them with vitamin A. It is commonly found in dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, as well as in some baked goods and cereals.

Annatto is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food coloring. Vitamin A palmitate is also permitted by the FDA as a nutrient supplement. Both components are widely consumed and are not associated with significant health concerns at typical dietary levels. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated both annatto and vitamin A, setting acceptable daily intakes for vitamin A. No major controversies exist regarding the use of this ingredient in food.