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Additive · Filtr file

E161g

Canthaxanthin

Carotenoid colour; high doses caused retinal deposits, so use is limited.

MODERATEPenalty−3 ptsFSANZPERMITTEDBanned in—
FILE · E161g
ModerateFiltr penalty−3 pts
ISSUED · 06.2026
01 / 04What it is

E161g in plain English

Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment. Because high intakes were linked to deposits in the retina, its food use is tightly restricted.

Carotenoid colour; high doses caused retinal deposits, so use is limited.

02 / 04Why it's used

A colour, not a flavour.

To restore or intensify colour lost during processing — and to make a product look more appealing on the shelf than its ingredients deserve.

colourant
03 / 04Health concerns

Mixed evidence — worth knowing.

Mixed evidence — some regulators restrict, others permit.

04 / 04Regulatory status

How the world's regulators rule

Australia · FSANZ
Permitted
Banned jurisdictions
None recorded
Filtr risk tier
Moderate
Filtr score penalty
−3 points
Category
Colourant