beta-apo-8′-Carotenal

Identifiers

INS No. 160e
E 160e; beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C30)
CI Food Orange 6

Physical Description

β-apo-8′-carotenal occurs as a fine, crystalline powder with a dark, metallic sheen.

Common Uses

β-apo-8′-carotenal can be used to color confectionery, bakery products, snack food, juices, fruit drinks, soups, jams, jellies, gelatins, processed cheese, margarine, salad dressings, fats and oils.

Specifications

JECFA

US FDA

EU Commission

Regulatory Approvals

JECFA: ADI of 0-0.3 mg/kg bw (87th meeting, 2019). There are more than 25 food categories for which maximum permitted levels (MPLs) for β-apo-8′-carotenal (INS No. 160e) have been adopted in the General Standard of Food Additives.

USA: beta-apo-8′-carotenal was permanently listed as exempt from certification in 1963. Currently, beta-apo-8′-carotenal may be safely used for coloring foods generally, such that the quantity does not exceed 15 mg per pound of solid or semisolid food or per pint of liquid food (21 CFR 73.90).

EU: ADI of 0.05 mg/kg bw/day(EFSA, 2012). MPLs for the use of E 160e in specific foods and beverages are established in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.

Safety Reviews

Safety Evaluation of certain food additives (Eighty-seventh report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) WHO Food Additives Series, No. 78, 2020. Available online

EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS); Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of β-apo-8’-carotenal (E 160e) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 2012;10(3):2499. [46 pp.] Available online

FDA Final Rule, stay of effective date. 28 FR 7775; Jul 31, 1963. Available online