Carotenoids

Colouring

Why this verdict

E160 is the parent grouping for carotenoid colours, the orange and yellow pigments found in plants and used across beverages, confectionery, and dairy products. No major halal authority in the source corpus has published a position on the bare E160 code, only on its specific sub-classes (E160a to E160f), some of which carry pork-gelatin carrier risk. With no published ruling for this grouping, E160 is doubtful by default; check for halal certification.

On record from Codex Alimentarius — Umbrella code, see E160a-f for variant detail.

Food-safety note

Permitted as food colours in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15). The carotenoids are orange-yellow pigments (e.g. from carrots and tomatoes); several are precursors of vitamin A, and they are regarded as safe at the levels used in food. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E160 halal?

Carotenoids (E160) is classified doubtful. Codex Alimentarius — Umbrella code and see E160a-f for variant detail classify it as doubtful.

What is E160 made from?

Carotenoids (E160) is derived from plant sources.