Is Canthaxanthin (E161g) Vegan?

Also known as: CI Food Orange 8, INS 161g, 4,4'-Dioxo-beta-carotene

Related additives: Beta-carotene (E160a), Lutein (E161b)

Vegan

Last checked 15 Oct 2026 How we decide

Canthaxanthin is vegan. Food-grade E161g is made by chemical synthesis. The current EU list names it but permits it in no food category, and keeps it only because medicines use it.

What is Canthaxanthin?

Canthaxanthin is an orange carotenoid pigment, chemically 4,4'-dioxo-beta-carotene. E161g is the EU number for its use as a food color.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Vegan

E-Number

E161g

Also Known As

CI Food Orange 8; INS 161g; 4,4'-Dioxo-beta-carotene

Source

Food-grade canthaxanthin is made by chemical synthesis. JECFA specifications define only the synthetic pigment, and EFSA asked in 2010 for the EU specification to say so.

Commonly Found In

No EU food category permits it today. As a feed additive it colors egg yolk and poultry skin.

Additional Notes

E161g should not appear on an EU food label. Earlier rules allowed it in saucisse de Strasbourg, the use EFSA still recorded in 2010.

Frequently asked questions

Is canthaxanthin the same as beta-carotene?

No. Canthaxanthin is 4,4'-dioxo-beta-carotene, a different pigment with its own number, E161g. Beta-carotene is E160a.

Which foods may contain E161g in the EU?

None under the current Union list. Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 keeps E161g only for medicines. EFSA's 2010 opinion still recorded one use, in saucisse de Strasbourg.