Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (food additive E160e) is a coloring agent from the carotenoids group, used in the food industry to give products a yellow, orange, or reddish оттенок. It belongs to the category of food colorants and helps make the appearance of products more attractive and stable during storage.
By its nature, this substance is related to beta-carotene — a pigment naturally found in carrots, pumpkins, and other vegetables. However, beta-apo-8'-carotenal itself is usually produced industrially in pure form. Thus, it has a natural connection to plant pigments, but for food industry purposes it is synthesized under controlled conditions.
Carotenoids as a class of substances were discovered in the 19th century during the study of natural plant pigments. Later, scientists learned how to isolate and modify individual compounds, obtaining more stable forms for use in food production. This is how beta-apo-8'-carotenal was developed, combining a bright color with relative stability to light and temperature.
Its chemical formula is C30H40O. Additive E160e appears as a crystalline powder or dark red granules, is well soluble in fats and oils, and almost insoluble in water. It is sensitive to light and oxygen, so it requires protection during storage.
For the food industry, colorant E160e is obtained by chemical synthesis from carotenoid precursors. The process makes it possible to obtain a stable and standardized product that meets purity and safety requirements. After production, the colorant is purified and added to foods in very small amounts.
Effects on the Body
Benefit of Additive E160e
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal is not an essential substance for the human body; however, it belongs to the carotenoid group, some of which can be converted into vitamin A. According to EFSA, this compound is partially metabolized into retinoids, i.e., vitamin A derivatives.
Nevertheless, its main role in nutrition is not to provide nutrients but to impart color to food products. The human body does not require this additive specifically, but within established limits it is considered safe.
Risks of Additive E160e
After ingestion, beta-apo-8'-carotenal is absorbed together with fats in the intestine. Part of the substance may be converted into compounds related to vitamin A, while the excess is mainly excreted via the liver and bile, followed by elimination through the intestines.
The European Food Safety Authority has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for colorant E160e at 0.015 mg/kg body weight per day. When this level is respected, the health risk is considered low.
Significant exceeding of the ADI may theoretically lead to excessive intake of vitamin A derivatives, potentially increasing the risk of hypervitaminosis A when combined with other sources of retinoids. This factor is taken into account by EFSA when setting usage limits for the colorant.
JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has also evaluated the safety of carotenoid colorants and established acceptable intake levels. In the United States, its use is permitted provided it complies with FDA requirements for color additives.
Uses
In the food industry, additive E160e is used as a colorant that provides a rich yellow-orange or reddish hue. It is added to products where the natural color may be lost during processing or storage.
It is most commonly used in the production of cheeses, margarines, soft drinks, confectionery products, desserts, and sauces. A key feature of its use is its effectiveness in very small doses, while its fat solubility makes it particularly suitable for fat-containing products.
Legal Status
In the European Union, colorant E160e is permitted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1333/2008 on food additives, with an established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.015 mg/kg body weight per day. Its use is restricted to specific product categories and maximum permitted levels.
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal is approved as a food colorant in Ukraine, EU countries, the United States, Canada, and Japan in accordance with national and international food safety standards.
Thus, additive E160e is an approved food colorant in most developed countries, provided that established consumption limits are respected.