What is E112?
Complete guide to understanding E112 (Red Ponceau family)
The Critical Clarification
⚠️ IMPORTANT: E112 is NOT an official E-number in current EU regulations. It’s used colloquially to refer to red ponceau dyes, but the official designations are E122 (Carmoisine) and E124 (Ponceau 4R).
If you’re seeing “E112” on a label or in a source, it likely refers to the ponceau/red dye family.
This guide covers E112 as it’s commonly referenced, while clarifying the actual official E-numbers and properties of these controversial red synthetic dyes.
📌 Quick Facts
- Category: Food Coloring (synthetic azo dye) – Red/Orange
- Official E-numbers: E122 (Carmoisine) and E124 (Ponceau 4R)
- Found in: Candies, soft drinks, jams, sauces, sweets, desserts
- Safety: Approved but CONTROVERSIAL – Warning label required in EU
- Major concern: Linked to hyperactivity in children
What Exactly Is It?
Red Ponceau dyes (E112/E122/E124 family) are synthetic azo dyes derived from coal tar.
They are water-soluble, bright red to orange-red colorants that provide stable, vibrant color to foods and beverages.
Unlike natural dyes, they are entirely synthetic chemical products created through chemical processes.
The name “Ponceau” (17th-century French for “poppy-colored”) refers to the family of azo dyes used for red coloring.
Official E-number assignments:
• E122 = Carmoisine/Azorubine (red azo dye)
• E124 = Ponceau 4R (strawberry red azo dye)
Where You’ll Find It
Red ponceau dyes appear in:
• Candies and confectionery
• Soft drinks and beverages
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Sauces and condiments
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Baked goods and pastries
• Desserts and sweets
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
If you consume candy, soda, jam, or processed foods with red color, you’ve likely encountered these dyes.
Why Do Food Companies Use Them?
Food manufacturers use red ponceau dyes because they:
1. Provide Stable Red Color: Unlike natural dyes (like carmine), they resist fading from light, heat, and acid, keeping the product looking vibrant longer.
2. Are Water-Soluble: They dissolve easily in beverages and liquid products.
3. Are Cost-Effective: Synthetic production is cheaper than natural alternatives.
4. Have Consistent Quality: Batch-to-batch consistency is guaranteed.
Is It Safe? The Controversial Answer
Official Status: APPROVED but CONTROVERSIAL
Red ponceau dyes are approved for use in the EU, UK, Australia, and other regions—but with significant caveats.
⚠️ MANDATORY WARNING LABEL: Since 2010, any EU food or beverage containing E122 (Carmoisine), E124 (Ponceau 4R), or several other artificial dyes MUST carry this warning: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
Not approved by FDA: The United States FDA has NOT approved ponceau dyes for food use, citing insufficient safety data.
The Hyperactivity Evidence
The primary health concern: Links to hyperactivity in children
In 2007, the UK Food Standards Authority commissioned research (the famous “Southampton Study”) examining six food dyes including red ponceau dyes. The research found a statistically significant link between consuming these dyes and increased hyperactivity in children.
How it works (mechanistic understanding):
• Gut bacteria break down azo dyes into aromatic amines before absorption
• These metabolites may act as sensitizers and affect neurotransmitter function
• Specifically, they appear to affect serotonin metabolism (monoamine systems)
• Animal studies show microbiome disruption, intestinal inflammation, and brain changes at high doses
Research findings:
• Not all children are affected equally—some are more susceptible
• Dose-dependent effects: higher doses = worse behavioral effects
• Effects appear within hours and wear off after 7 hours
• Children with certain genetic polymorphisms are more sensitive
Other Health Concerns
1. Allergic Reactions
Red ponceau dyes are known triggers for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including:
• Urticaria (hives)
• Pruritus (itching)
• Asthma-like symptoms
• In people sensitive to aspirin: severe reactions
2. Aspirin Cross-Reactivity
If you’re allergic to aspirin, you may react to these red dyes due to chemical similarity.
3. Cancer Concerns (Minor)
The production process may result in unsulfonated aromatic amines (up to 100 mg/kg) that may be linked to cancer. However, at permitted dietary exposure levels, no evidence of carcinogenicity has been found.
Regulatory Status by Country
Approved: EU, UK, Australia, Asia, Canada
NOT Approved: USA (FDA rejection)
EU Warning Required: “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”
Safe Daily Limits (if approved for your region):
• EFSA (EU): 0.7 mg/kg body weight
• WHO/FAO: 4 mg/kg body weight
Natural Alternatives
If you want to avoid red ponceau dyes:
• Carmine/Cochineal (E120) – Natural red dye from insect-based source
• Betanin (E162) – Natural red from beets
• Paprika extract (E160c) – Red-orange from peppers
• Lycopene – Red from tomatoes
Many “natural” or “clean label” products use these alternatives instead of synthetic azo dyes.
The Bottom Line
E112 (Red Ponceau dyes, officially E122 and E124) are approved synthetic azo dyes with documented links to hyperactivity in children.
Key points:
• They’re approved in the EU and most regions (except USA)
• Mandatory warning labels exist in the EU specifically due to hyperactivity concerns
• They can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• All children don’t react equally—some are more susceptible
• They’re derived from coal tar and are entirely synthetic
• The FDA rejected them, citing safety concerns
Recommendation: If you’re concerned about hyperactivity in children, limit consumption of products containing red ponceau dyes (E122, E124). Check labels for the warning message. Consider choosing products colored with natural dyes as alternatives.
