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Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Beta-Carotene on Food Labels in US

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

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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 States, Beta-Carotene is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.5015). Declared as "beta-carotene" in ingredient list when used as a colorant. When used as vitamin A source, declared nutritionally in the Supplement Facts or Nutrition Facts panels.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "beta-carotene" 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"
  • 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"
"beta-carotene" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... beta-carotene ..."

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 US rules.

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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 US?

Declare as "beta-carotene" in the ingredient list. FDA GRAS (21 CFR 182.5015). Declared as "beta-carotene" in ingredient list when used as a colorant. When used as vitamin A source, declared nutritionally in the Supplement Facts or Nutrition Facts panels.

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 US 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.

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