E-code guide
E160fBeta-Apo-8'-carotenoic Acid Esters
Doubtful
E160f

Beta-Apo-8'-carotenoic Acid Esters

Orange-yellow plant carotenoid colour

JAKIM Handbook 2010 and MUIS classify as doubtful; SANHA classifies as halal.
Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record
2say Doubtful1says Halal
Saying Doubtful2 of 3
2
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Synthetic orange to yellow colouring.
Saying Halal1 of 3

Why this verdict

E160f is the ethyl ester of beta-apo-8-carotenoic acid, a synthetic carotenoid giving an orange colour to beverages and confectionery. SANHA classifies E160f as Halaal. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies E160f as Mushbooh, halal as a dry powder or with a vegetable-oil solvent but haram if pork gelatin is used as a hidden carrier. MUIS marks E160f as syubhah, noting it is a synthetic orange to yellow colouring. Because the carrier is not disclosed on the label, E160f is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note
Permitted as a food colour in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. A carotenoid pigment assessed safe by JECFA at permitted levels. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E160f halal?

Beta-Apo-8'-carotenoic Acid Esters (E160f) is classified doubtful. JAKIM Handbook 2010 and MUIS classify it as doubtful; SANHA classifies it as halal.

What is E160f made from?

Beta-Apo-8'-carotenoic Acid Esters (E160f) is derived from plant sources.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.