Learn Glossary colorant

Xanthophyll(E161b)

Level 1Generally benignIn Winter's Dictionary

Xanthophyll is a colorant — Yellow coloring isolated from egg yolk and petals

Also: Vegetable Lutein

What it does

Yellow coloring isolated from egg yolk and petals

Where you'll see it

foods

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: EAF
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: Provisionally listed; no vitamin A activity

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): a yellow coloring originally isolated from egg yolk, now isolated from petals of flowers