E160aii - Carotènes végétaux

Origin

Plant carotenes (E160aii) are naturally occurring pigments found in various plants, algae, and some bacteria. They are primarily extracted from carrots, palm oil, and other vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids. These carotenes are a mixture of beta-carotene and other carotenoids. The extraction process typically involves solvent extraction followed by purification and crystallization. The resulting product is a mixture of carotenes, mainly beta-carotene, with smaller amounts of alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, and lycopene.

Usage

Plant carotenes are widely used as food colorants to impart a yellow-orange hue to various food products. They are also used as a source of provitamin A, as beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Common applications include dairy products (such as butter, cheese, and yogurt), margarine, beverages, baked goods, confectionery, and processed fruits and vegetables. Additionally, plant carotenes are used in dietary supplements due to their antioxidant properties and vitamin A precursor activity.

Side Effects

Plant carotenes are generally considered safe for consumption. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-5 mg/kg body weight for beta-carotene from all sources. Excessive consumption of beta-carotene can lead to carotenemia, a harmless condition where the skin turns yellow-orange. This condition is reversible upon reducing beta-carotene intake. There are no known significant adverse health effects associated with the consumption of plant carotenes at levels typically used in food.

Regulatory Status

Plant carotenes (E160aii) are approved for use as a food additive in many countries, including those in the European Union, the United States, and Canada. In the EU, they are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. In the United States, they are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) under FDA regulations. The specific regulations may vary by country, but generally, the use of plant carotenes is permitted within specified limits to ensure safety and efficacy.