Question

The colour permitted in cheddar cheese as per FSS Act, 2006 is __________

• A. Annatto
• B. Anthocyanin
• C. Riboflavin
• D. Chlorophyll

Hint:

For questions about food colors, remember the classic associations: Annatto \(\rightarrow\) Orange Cheese/Butter; Turmeric \(\rightarrow\) Yellow Curries; Caramel \(\rightarrow\) Brown Colas/Sauces; Saffron \(\rightarrow\) Yellow Rice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cheddar cheese is naturally an off-white or pale yellow color. The distinct orange color found in many varieties of cheddar is achieved by adding a permitted food colorant during its production. Food safety regulations, like the FSS Act in India, specify which additives are allowed.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Annatto is a natural food coloring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree ({Bixa orellana}). Its main pigments are bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble).
- It has been used for centuries to impart a yellow-orange color to dairy products like cheese (especially Cheddar, Colby, and Leicester), butter, and margarine.
- The Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006, and its subsequent regulations permit the use of annatto in cheese up to a specified maximum level.
- The other options are incorrect: Anthocyanins (red/purple), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2, yellow), and Chlorophyll (green) are not the permitted or traditional colorants for cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The permitted color used to give cheddar cheese its characteristic orange hue is Annatto. Therefore, option (A) is correct.