Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment. Ours comes from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (now officially named Haematococcus lacustris). Whether an astaxanthin ingredient is a Novel Food depends on its form: whole H. pluvialis algae is not novel in food supplements, but the solvent-extracted astaxanthin-rich oleoresin is an authorised Novel Food with dose limits and mandatory label warnings.
Forms we buy
- Powdered biomass – dried whole algae, not solvent-extracted
- Softgels (oleoresin) – solvent-extracted astaxanthin-rich oil
Regulatory status
The EU Novel Food status Catalogue entry for Haematococcus lacustris (synonym H. pluvialis; last updated 01/02/2024) gives two separate statuses.
| Form | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Whole algae | Not novel in food supplements | Used in EU food supplements before 15 May 1997, so no pre-market authorisation is needed. Any use outside food supplements may be novel. |
| Astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from H. pluvialis | Authorised Novel Food | Listed in the Union list (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470). Must meet its conditions of use and specification. |
The catalogue is non-binding guidance. It reflects the EU position; GB applies retained Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 with the same 15 May 1997 cut-off.
GB conditions differ from the EU. The EU changes made since Brexit (the child dose bands and warnings below) do not apply automatically in Great Britain. Under the retained GB authorisation the oleoresin may be used in food supplements at 40–80 mg oleoresin per day, equal to no more than 8 mg astaxanthin. FSA assessment RP2213 (5 February 2026) recommends limiting GB use to people aged 14 and over, with a label warning. Check the FSA register for whether this has been adopted before advising on GB labels.
Conditions for the oleoresin (EU)
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/1581 (in force 22 August 2023), sets age-based daily maximums for astaxanthin-rich oleoresin in the EU. It may be used only in food supplements (Directive 2002/46/EC), not for infants and young children.
| Age group | Max astaxanthin per day |
|---|---|
| Children 3 to under 10 years | 2.3 mg |
| Adolescents 10 to under 14 years | 5.7 mg |
| General population over 14 years | 8 mg |
Labelling requirements:
- The ingredient must be named "Astaxanthin rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae".
- The label must state the product should not be consumed:
- if other food supplements containing astaxanthin esters are taken the same day;
- by infants and young children under 3 years;
- by infants and children under 10 years (depending on the age group the supplement is intended for);
- by infants, children and adolescents under 14 years (depending on the age group the supplement is intended for).
An 8 mg softgel sits at the adult maximum, so it would need the under-14 warning.
What staff need to do
- Check the form first. Before quoting or releasing, confirm from the supplier spec whether the material is whole algae biomass or oleoresin (including beadlets or powders made from oleoresin).
- Whole biomass in food supplements: no Novel Food conditions apply. Do not tell customers it is a Novel Food.
- Oleoresin products (softgels, extracts): apply the daily limits, the exact ingredient name and the four warnings above to the customer spec and label.
Ultimately, customers' labels are their responsibility; they would need to make sure they comply with all relevant requirements and regulations. The data from this page can be used as information for customers.
References
- EU Novel Food status Catalogue – Haematococcus lacustris (checked 16 Oct 2026): https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/novel-food-catalogue/search
- Union list of novel foods: https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/novel-food/authorisations/union-list-novel-foods_en
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1581 – amended Union list entry for astaxanthin-rich oleoresin: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/1581/2023-08-21/eng/pdf
- FSA/FSS assessment RP2213 – astaxanthin-rich oleoresin (GB): https://science.food.gov.uk/article/155718-assessment-on-astaxanthin-rich-oleoresin-from-_haematococcus-pluvialis_-algae-used-as-a-novel-food-rp2213