E160c

E160c is a European Union designation for a food coloring based on alpha-carotene, a carotenoid pigment in the E160 family. It occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, pumpkins, and leafy greens, and can be extracted from plant sources or produced synthetically for use as a colorant.

As a pigment, E160c imparts yellow to orange hues and is used to color a wide range of foods and beverages. It is employed in dairy products, fats and oils, baked goods, snacks, confectionery, and beverages. The intensity of the color depends on concentration and formulation, and carotenoids are relatively sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, so stability is influenced by processing and packaging practices.

Regulatory and safety notes: In the EU, E160c is approved for use as a coloring agent, with purity specifications and maximum usage levels varying by product category. It must be listed on ingredient labels as E160c. Nutritionally, E160c is a provitamin A carotenoid, contributing to vitamin A activity in the diet, though the conversion efficiency of alpha-carotene to retinol is generally lower than that of beta-carotene. Health considerations at typical dietary exposures from foods are minimal; excessive intake of carotenoids can cause carotenodermia, a reversible yellow-orange skin discoloration, but is not regarded as harmful. As with all additives, high-dose supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare professional.