Marigold, food colorant from

Detailed information about carotenoids found in food or extracted from food and evaluated for their potential as food colorants appeared in Sections 4.2 and 6.2. We would like to mention some new data about the utilization of pure carotenoid molecules or extracts as allowed food additives. Looking to the list of E-coded natural colorants (Table 7.2.1), we can identify standardized colorants E160a through f, E 161a, and E161b as natural or semi-synthetic derivatives of carotenoids provided from carrots, annatto, tomatoes, paprika, and marigold. In addition, the extracts (powders or oleoresins) of saffron, - paprika, and marigold are considered more economical variants in the United States and European Union. 

Properties Extracted from the dried ground flower petals of the Aztec marigold Tagetes erecta L. Mp 53.5—55.0°. A permissible food additive used to increase the yellow color of the skin and eggs of poultry. 

Regulatory Status. Tagetes oil has been approved for food use ( 172.510) tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract have been approved for use in chicken feed to enhance the yellow color of chicken skin and eggs, exempt from certification ( 73.295). 

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