E160A — Alpha, Beta, Gamma
Orange/yellow food coloring and vitamin A precursor
Also known as: Carotene · Beta-Carotene · Alpha-Carotene · Gamma-Carotene
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
The carotene pigment itself is halal but it is often suspended in gelatin. In the USA fish gelatin is commonly used (halal). In the UK/EU pork or beef gelatin may be used - verification required.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E160A comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Verified halal alternatives:
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About E160A
Color - Carotene Carotene color is obtained from plant source but it is not available in 100% form because it is not soluble in water. Gelatin is added to help mix in liquid products. In USA fish Gelatin is used so it is Halal in USA but in UK they may not use fish Gelatin but may use Gelatin from pork or beef.. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E160A made from?
- plant (carrots, palm oil)
- synthetic
- fish gelatin (as carrier)
- pork/beef gelatin (as carrier)
Foods that commonly contain E160A
Food Category Guide
E160A is common in margarine — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E160A (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) halal?
E160A (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E160A used for?
E160A is used as a orange/yellow food coloring and vitamin a precursor in food products.
What foods contain E160A?
E160A (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) is commonly found in: margarine, butter, cheese, yogurt, orange juice, breakfast cereals, infant formula.
What is E160A made from?
E160A can be derived from the following sources: plant (carrots, palm oil), synthetic, fish gelatin (as carrier), pork/beef gelatin (as carrier).
What are the other names for E160A?
E160A may appear on food labels as: Carotene, Beta-Carotene, Alpha-Carotene, Gamma-Carotene.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.