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Annatto - (160b)


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Annatto or 160b.   

This is used as a natural yellow-to-red food colouring agent.  It is derived from the seeds of the annatto tree – Bixa Orellana  

This is used as a better alternative to the artificial tartrazine colour or 102 but it's not. You might also see Bixin or Norbixin listed in the ingredients. Bixin refers to the fat-soluble and norbixin refers to the water-soluble form. 

Annatto or 160b will display as a natural colour in the ingredients however how it is extracted is far from natural. Solvents such as acetone (the fluid that dissolves nail polish) are used. This is prohibited in infants’ food and HACSG (The Hyperactive Children Support Group) recommends avoiding it. 

Annatto can also cause head banging, headaches, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity, behavioural issues and eczema 

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