Orange · E160b · Bixin / Norbixin
Annatto
Natural yellow-orange colorant from annatto seed · Replaces Yellow 6
REPLACESYellow 6
SHADEPale yellow to deep orange-red
SUGGESTED LABELAnnatto (color), or annatto extract (color)
Product profile
- Description
- Natural colorant extracted from the seed coat of Bixa orellana. Norbixin grades are water-soluble; bixin grades are oil-soluble. Used for cheese, snacks, bakery and sauces.
- Botanical source
- Bixa orellana L., seed
- Reference
- E160b · INS 160b(i) bixin, 160b(ii) norbixin
- JECFA
- ADI: bixin 0 to 12 mg/kg bw; norbixin 0 to 0.6 mg/kg bw (67th meeting, 2006)
- Forms
- Bixin: oil-soluble, for fats and oils · Norbixin: water-soluble (alkaline), for dairy, cheese and water-based systems
Specifications
- Form
- Powder and liquid
- Solubility
- Water-soluble (norbixin) and oil-soluble (bixin) grades
- Pigment content
- By grade. JECFA solvent-extracted bixin: not less than 85% bixin
- Appearance
- Red-brown to orange liquid or powder
- Heavy metals
- JECFA bixin: Pb ≤2, As ≤3, Hg ≤1 mg/kg. Pb ≤2 · As ≤1 · Hg ≤1 · Cd ≤1 ppm (FARBE standard)
- Microbiology
- TPC ≤1000 CFU/g · yeast ≤100 · mold ≤100 · E. coli absent in 10 g (FARBE standard)
Stability
Light
Heat
pH rangeGrade dependent
norbixin precipitates in acid; acid-proof grades
norbixin precipitates in acid; acid-proof grades
Oxidation
Use and application
- Applications
- Cheese, dairy, snacks, seasonings, bakery, sauces, meat casings, pet food.
- Dosage
- Typical 5 to 200 mg/kg depending on shade and application. FARBE develops the shade with you.
- Notes
- Good heat stability, fair light stability. Norbixin precipitates in acid (threshold depends on grade); acid-proof grades available. Fades with SO2 above 1000 ppm. Above 70 °C shifts toward yellow.
Storage and packaging
- Storage
- Cool, dark, dry place; keep sealed; cold storage preserves liquid grades
- Shelf life
- Powder: 24 months · Liquid: 6 months (unopened, as stored)
- Packaging
- Available in 5 kg, 20 kg and 25 kg presentations
Plant-derivedFSSC 22000 plantNon-GMO
Labeling and regulatory
- Suggested declaration
- Annatto (color), or annatto extract (color)
- US status
- Exempt from certification (21 CFR 73.30)
- Allergens
- No allergens in the product.
- Certifications
- FSSC 22000 · Kosher — KMD · Halal — American Halal Foundation · ISO 9001
Information is provided in good faith and reflects typical product characteristics; it is not a warranty. Stability ratings are indicative (1 low, 5 high) and depend on formula, process and packaging. Validate in your application. Values are typical; the final product specification sheet governs.
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