*4.2. Blackslea trispora*

*Blakesleatrispora* is a Zygomycetes fungus of the order Mucorales, family Choanephoraceae. It is capable of undergoing both sexual and asexual reproduction through the production of zygospores and sporangiospores. The fungus does not produce any toxic compounds; hence, it is of industrial interest as a source of β-carotene for commercial exploitation [63,64]. β-carotene from *B. trispora* was the first authorized microbial food colorant in the European Union. It is efficient and can achieve the highest yield of all trans β-carotene at the expense of other structurally related carotenoids [33]. The process production was improved over a number of years, producing carotenoid contents of up to 20% dry weight [65,66].

The safety assessment of β-carotene, derived from *B. trispora*, has revealed no genotoxicity or subacute toxicity for 4weeks [38,67]. A subchronic toxicity study of 90 days was performed with oral administration of F344.Rats of both sexes showed no adverse effects on their biological systems [39]. β-carotene derived from the *B. trispora* at a 5.0% dietary level, equivalent to 3127 mg/kg/day and 3362 mg/kg/day for male and female rats, caused no adverse effects. The findings revealed that the daily intake of synthetic β-carotene from *B. trispora* by human beings is a negligible toxicological hazard [68].
