Not authorised in food
What is E 161g?
E 161g is the E number of Canthaxanthin. Orange-red colour from the carotenoid family. It is not authorised in food. It remains on the list only because it may be used in medicinal products.
What is E 161g used for?
E 161g belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.
- Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.
Is E 161g vegan?
Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.
Is E 161g linked to genetic engineering?
No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.
How does E 161g appear on the label?
In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 161g" or "Colour: Canthaxanthin".
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated version of 18.08.2026, Annexes I and II, EUR-Lex
- Food Additives Database, European Commission (accessed 19 October 2026)