Apocarotenal, or trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal, is a carotenoid found in spinach and citrus fruits. Like other carotenoids, apocarotenal plays a role as a precursor of vitamin A, even though it has 50% less pro-vitamin A activity than β-carotene. The empirical chemical formula for apocarotenal is C30H40O.
Apocarotenal has an orange to orange-red colour and is used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Depending on the product forms, apocarotenal is used in fat-based foods (such as margarine, sauces, and salad dressing), beverages, dairy products, and sweets. Its E number is E160e and it is approved for use as a food additive in the US,US FDA: EU,UK Food Standards Agency: Australia, and New Zealand.Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
References
External links Some info on apocarotenal