About
Beetroot powder is a natural food colourant derived from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris), containing pigments called betalains—principally betacyanins such as betanin—that impart a deep red-to-purple hue. It is widely used in beverages, confectioneries, dairy products, and processed foods as a natural alternative to petroleum-based synthetic red colourants.
Safety summary
EFSA (2015) concluded that beetroot red (E162) is not of safety concern at current use levels, though limited toxicological data meant no formal ADI could be established. JECFA assigned an ADI of 'not specified' but flagged the need to control nitrate content, particularly in products intended for infants and young children. No genotoxic or carcinogenic signal has been identified, and the colouring principles are natural dietary constituents with a long history of safe human consumption.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Authorised as a Group II food colour at quantum satis under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (Annex II). EFSA re-evaluated in December 2015 and concluded no safety concern at reported use levels. No formal ADI established. Use in foods specifically manufactured for infants and young children is prohibited under existing EU law.source |
| Food Standards Agency (FSA) / Food Standards Scotland (FSS) (United Kingdom) | Approved | Authorised as E162 (Beetroot Red, betanin) under Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II, as a Group II food colour at quantum satis.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted natural colour (INS 162) under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Permitted within limits and in permitted food categories; no specific numerical maximum daily intake established. Labelling must declare 'contains permitted natural colours'.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | FDA formally approved 'beetroot red' as a new exempt color additive in February 2026, expanding beyond the previously listed beet/vegetable juice colourant (21 CFR 73.260). Approved as part of FDA's broader initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. No maximum use level specified; subject to good manufacturing practice. |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. FDA Takes New Approach to 'No Artificial Colors' Claims — FDA Press Announcement, 2026. fda.gov
- 2PubMed. Beet red food colourant can be produced more sustainably with engineered Yarrowia lipolytica, 2023. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3EFSA. Beetroot red (E 162): extension of use in dietary food for special medical purposes (FSMP) intended for young children, 2016. efsa.europa.eu
- 4EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of beetroot red (E 162) as a food additive, 2015. efsa.europa.eu
- 5WHO. JECFA Chemical Assessment: Beet Red (INS 162) — WHO Food Additives and Contaminants Database, 1987. apps.who.int