YenzoWhat is E160b (annatto)?
It is annatto extract, in two forms by main pigment: bixin and norbixin. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT classes it as a colour.
E160bAnnatto, bixin, norbixin
E160b is annatto, an extract of the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), with the pigments bixin and norbixin. In food it gives a yellow to orange-red colour.
- Code
- E160b · INS 160b
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalelow?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E160b appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (160b), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (160b)colour 160bE160bINS 160b
INS sub-codes
INS 160b(i)Annatto extracts, bixin-based
INS 160b(ii)Annatto extracts, norbixin-based
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Questions about annatto, bixin, norbixin
Is annatto harmful?
In 2016 EFSA set an ADI of 6 mg bixin/kg body weight per day and 0.3 mg norbixin/kg body weight per day. In 2019 EFSA concluded that annatto E does not raise concern for genotoxicity, so the two ADIs also apply to annatto E. For bixin, none of the exposure estimates exceeded the ADI. For norbixin, the ADI was reached at the high level (95th percentile) for toddlers in one country; EFSA considered that this level of exposure does not raise a health concern.
Is annatto extract permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Annatto extracts, bixin-based (160b(i)) and norbixin-based (160b(ii)), are listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Can children and pregnant women have E160b?
According to EFSA (2019), for norbixin the intake of toddlers who eat a lot (95th percentile) in one country reaches the ADI of 0.3 mg/kg body weight per day; EFSA considered that, given the uncertainties and the likely overestimation, this level does not raise a health concern. For bixin, no population group exceeded the ADI. This source does not address pregnant women separately.
Other colours
E160Carotenoids (type not printed)very lowE160aCarotenesvery lowE160cPaprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubinvery lowE160dLycopenevery lowE160eBeta-apo-8'-carotenallowE160fEthyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acidmoderate
See all colours →Found in these products
Mì xào Samyang vị gà cay (spicy chicken stir-fried ramen)Samyang · instant noodles
Bánh quy kẹp kem YBC vị chanh (lemon sandwich crackers)YBC · snacksUpdated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e160b)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2019). Safety of annatto E and the exposure to the annatto colouring principles bixin and norbixin (E 160b) when used as a food additive