A provitamin A carotenoid used both as a natural orange-yellow colourant and as a vitamin A fortificant, typically supplied as an oil suspension or water-dispersible powder.

Physical state

Powder

Solubility

Dispersible in oil; water-dispersible grades available

Odour

Faint characteristic odour

Typical usage level

0.001-0.02% of finished product weight, grade-dependent

Regulatory overview

EU and US regulatory context

EU Context

Regulation: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (colour); Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 (provitamin A fortification)
E-number: E160a
Status: Authorised nutrient source
Key standard: Confirm current Ph. Eur. / FCC monograph specification with the supplier.

US Context

FDA status: GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
CFR reference: Pending. Confirm exact citation before publishing to a client-facing document.
Common declaration: Beta-Carotene
Notes: Pending

Functions & applications

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Technical function	What it does
orange-yellow colouring	Imparts a natural orange-yellow hue.
vitamin A fortification	Supplies provitamin A to meet a nutrient content claim.

Recommended applications

Beverages

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Dairy & nutrition

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Margarine

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Confectionery

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Specifications

Technical specification

Appearance	Deep orange-red powder or oil suspension
Colour	Deep orange-red powder or oil suspension
Odour	Faint characteristic odour
Solubility	Dispersible in oil; water-dispersible grades available
Moisture	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Assay	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
pH	Pending
Lead (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Arsenic (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Cadmium (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Mercury (heavy metals)	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Total plate count	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Salmonella	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
E. coli	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Yeast & mould	Pending. Confirm against the current supplier CoA.
Packaging	25kg multiwall paper bags with PE liner, on ISPM-15 treated pallets
Shelf life	24 months from production date, unopened
Storage	Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Values marked "Pending" require confirmation against the current supplier CoA before being issued to a client.

Compliance

Legal & compliance notes

Allergen status: Does not contain any of the 14 major EU allergens.
GMO status: May be derived from fermentation or plant sources depending on supplier; confirm source for a non-GMO claim.
Irradiation: Not irradiated.
Halal / Kosher: Typically available. Confirm certification with the specific supplier.

Critical QC checkpoints: Assay, Heavy metals, Residual solvents.

CN code (8-digit)	Pending
TARIC (10-digit)	Pending
EU import duty	Pending
Anti-dumping measure	None on file

Beta-Carotene

EU and US regulatory context

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Vitamins

Beta-Carotene

EU and US regulatory context

Natural colourant / provitamin A fortificant

Recommended applications

Technical specification

Legal & compliance notes

Import classification data

Also in Vitamins

Ascorbic Acid

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)

Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1)