E160a: Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A Orange Color)

Direct Answer

E160a (Beta-Carotene) is a fat-soluble orange carotenoid tetraterpenoid obtained by synthesis, fermentation of Blakeslea trispora, or plant extraction. INS 160a(i)/(ii), ADI is Not Specified, providing deep orange-yellow hues in dairy, juices, and fats.

Source: EFSA / JECFA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E160a
INS / Codex Number	INS 160a(i) / 160a(ii)
Functional Class	Food Color (Yellow-Orange), Provitamin A Fortificant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis from dietary/fermentation forms)
Chemical Formula	C40H56
Primary Mechanism	11 conjugated double-bond chromophore system absorbing blue-violet light; converts into 2 molecules of retinol (Vitamin A)
Common Target Foods	Butter, margarine, processed cheeses, orange juices, baked pastries
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Plant/Fermentation), Halal, Kosher Certified
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 73.95)

Enzymatic Cleavage to Active Retinol

In human intestinal enterocytes, beta-carotene is cleaved centrally by BCMO1 (beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase) to yield two retinal molecules, which are reduced into active Vitamin A without risking hypervitaminosis toxicity.