LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Beta-Carotene on Food Labels in UK

Beta-Carotene is permitted with proper declaration in United Kingdom: declare as "beta-carotene (E160a)" in the ingredient list.

Check My Label for UK CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Beta-carotene (E160a) is the orange provitamin-A pigment from carrots and other plants, used to colour margarine, drinks, and dairy products. In United Kingdom, Beta-Carotene is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food coloring. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Can be used as both colorant and nutritional supplement.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "beta-carotene (E160a)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E160a
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "beta-carotene (E160a)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Beta-Carotene
  • Omitting the E-number E160a where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Beta-Carotene content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: beta-carotene (E160a)"
"beta-carotene (E160a)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... beta-carotene (E160a) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Beta carotene, β-Carotene) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Beta-Carotene" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Beta-Carotene and all its common names (E160a, Beta carotene, β-Carotene, Provitamin A) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under UK rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

What is beta-carotene (E160a)?

Beta-carotene (E160a) is the orange provitamin-A pigment from carrots and other plants, used to colour margarine, drinks, and dairy products. It commonly appears in: Margarine, Cheese, Butter alternatives, Orange juices, Some breakfast cereals.

Is beta-carotene bad for you?

As a food colour it is safe, and EFSA confirmed this in its 2012 re-evaluation. The caveat comes from supplements, not food: trials in the 1990s (ATBC, CARET) found high-dose beta-carotene supplements (20+ mg/day) increased lung-cancer risk in smokers — intakes far above anything achievable from coloured foods.

How must Beta-Carotene be declared on food labels in UK?

Declare as "beta-carotene (E160a)" in the ingredient list. UK retains EU authorization. Same declaration requirements. Can be used as both colorant and nutritional supplement.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Beta-Carotene?

Beta-Carotene may appear under the following names: E160a, Beta carotene, β-Carotene, Provitamin A, Natural Yellow 26. Common hidden sources include: Margarine, Cheese, Butter alternatives, Orange juices, Some breakfast cereals, Confectionery.

Is beta-carotene banned in UK or other markets?

Beta-Carotene is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

Ensure UK Compliance

Get your label checked against all UK regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
UK Compliance Hub

Explore all UK labeling requirements in one place.

View UK Hub

Ready to Ensure Full UK Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all Retained EU Law & UK FIC requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide