YenzoWhat is E161b (lutein)?
It is lutein, a yellow pigment. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists lutein from Tagetes erecta (161b(i)) with the function colour.
E161bLutein
E161b is lutein, the yellow pigment found in leafy greens, egg yolk and marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta). In food it gives a yellow colour.
Did you know? The form of lutein that EFSA's ADI refers to is extracted from Tagetes erecta and contains at least 80% carotenoids (79% lutein and 5% zeaxanthin).
- Code
- E161b · INS 161b
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E161b appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (161b), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (161b)colour 161bE161bINS 161b
INS sub-codes
INS 161b(i)Lutein from Tagetes erecta
INS 161b(ii)Tagetes extract
Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)
Lutein in food
Flavoured fermented milk, milk drinksEdible icesSweets, chewing gum
Candied fruit and vegetables
Fine bakery productsSeasonings (curry, tandoori powders)
Dipping saucesFlavoured drinksPotato and cereal snacksQuestions about lutein
Is lutein harmful?
In 2010 EFSA set an ADI of 1 mg/kg body weight per day for lutein from Tagetes erecta containing at least 80% carotenoids. In 2011 EFSA said that this ADI also applies to lutein esters with total carotenoids of at least 60%, but that the data were too limited to apply it to preparations of lower purity or from other sources. In 2012, after the use levels were corrected, EFSA estimated that adults do not exceed the ADI, either at the mean or at the 95th percentile.
Is E161b permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Lutein from Tagetes erecta (161b(i)) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour. Tagetes extract (161b(ii)) is in Appendix 2B, with maximum levels for sweets and chewing gum.
Can children and pregnant women have lutein?
According to EFSA (2012), when lutein from the diet and from its use as a colour is combined, the estimate for children does not exceed the ADI of 1 mg/kg body weight per day at the mean, but exceeds it at the 95th and 97.5th percentile in the Netherlands and the UK. This source does not address pregnant women separately.
Other colours
E160Carotenoids (type not printed)very lowE160aCarotenesvery lowE160bAnnatto, bixin, norbixinlowE160cPaprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubinvery lowE160dLycopenevery lowE161gCanthaxanthinlow
See all colours →Updated 20 October 2026
Sources (5)
- 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:e161b)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2B: mức sử dụng tối đa phụ gia trong thực phẩm chưa được quy định theo Codex STAN 192-1995
- EFSA Journal (2010). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of lutein (E 161b) as a food additive
- EFSA Journal (2012). Statement on the safety assessment of the exposure to lutein preparations based on new data on the use levels of lutein
- EFSA Journal (2011). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of lutein preparations other than lutein with high concentrations of total saponified carotenoids at levels of at least 80%