Red carotenoid rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens

What it is. This additive is a biomass of the bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens, naturally rich in red carotenoids, obtained by fermentation. It is used in its dried form as a source of pigments, mainly astaxanthin and related carotenoids.

What it is for. It belongs to the sensory additive functional group 2a, colorants, and is intended to modify flesh pigmentation. It is authorised for salmon and trout, species for which this type of additive is commonly used to obtain the expected flesh colour, particularly during the finishing phase. Use should be adapted to the species, growth stage and the colour target set by the formulator.

Points to watch. Inclusion level must comply with the authorised maximum content set in the regulatory annex; this must be checked against the official entry. As a carotenoid colorant, product variability (pigment concentration, batch origin) and storage conditions affecting stability should be monitored.