Canthaxanthin is more than a safe carotenoid

Following initial concerns about the safety of canthaxanthin the EU confirmed in January 2003 the safety of this natural red carotenoid for both humans and animals. Nevertheless it has set maximum limits for the use of it in poultry and shrimp feed. Although canthaxanthin is primarily recognised for its pigmenting properties, recent research has shown that there is more to canthaxanthin than just colour. This article can also be found at World Poultry Volume 19 number 3. To view the article on