What is E122?
Complete guide to understanding E122 (Carmoisine/Azorubine)
The Quick Answer
E122 is Carmoisine (also called Azorubine), a synthetic azo dye that produces a bright red/crimson color.
It’s approved for use in the EU, UK, and Australia, but NOT approved by the US FDA.
Like other red azo dyes, E122 is linked to hyperactivity in children, and all products containing it in the EU must carry a warning label.
📌 Quick Facts
- Category: Food Coloring (synthetic azo dye) – Red/Crimson
- Found in: Candies, jellies, soft drinks, sauces, jams, desserts
- Safety: Approved but CONTROVERSIAL – Warning label required in EU
- Major concern: Linked to hyperactivity in children
- Approved in: EU, UK, Australia – NOT approved in USA
What Exactly Is It?
E122 (Carmoisine) is a synthetic azo dye derived from coal tar.
It appears as a bright red to crimson powder that is water-soluble, making it ideal for use in beverages and aqueous food products.
Carmoisine is the official EU designation; it’s also known as Azorubine or Food Red 3.
Like all azo dyes, it’s entirely synthetic—not derived from natural sources.
Where You’ll Find It
E122 appears in:
• Candies and confectionery
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Soft drinks and beverages
• Sauces and condiments
• Desserts and baked goods
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
If you consume red-colored sweets, jam, or beverages in the EU or Australia, you may have encountered E122.
Why Do Food Companies Use It?
Manufacturers use E122 because it:
1. Provides Bright Red Color: Creates an appealing crimson color in sweets and beverages.
2. Is Water-Soluble: Dissolves easily in drinks and liquid products, unlike some natural dyes.
3. Is Stable: Resists fading from light, heat, and acid over time.
4. Is Cost-Effective: Cheaper than natural red dyes like cochineal or carmine.
Is It Safe? The Controversial Answer
Official Status: APPROVED but CONTROVERSIAL
E122 is approved for food use in the EU, UK, and Australia—but with mandatory health warnings and regulatory controversy.
⚠️ MANDATORY WARNING LABEL (EU): Since 2010, any food or beverage containing E122 (Carmoisine), E124 (Ponceau 4R), or other specified synthetic 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 Carmoisine for food use, citing safety concerns.
The Hyperactivity Evidence
The primary health concern: Links to hyperactivity in children
In 2007, the UK Food Standards Authority commissioned research (the “Southampton Study”) that examined six food dyes and their effects on children. E122 (Carmoisine) was one of the dyes found to be linked to increased hyperactivity in children.
How it works:
• Gut bacteria break down azo dyes into aromatic amines before absorption
• These metabolites may affect monoamine neurotransmitter systems (serotonin)
• Animal studies show microbiome disruption and intestinal inflammation
• Effects are dose-dependent: higher intakes = worse behavioral impacts
Research findings:
• Not all children are equally affected—individual susceptibility varies
• Effects manifest within hours of consumption
• Behavioral effects wear off after 7 hours
• Genetic factors determine who is more sensitive
Other Health Concerns
1. Allergic Reactions
E122 is known to trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals:
• Urticaria (hives)
• Asthma-like symptoms
• Severe reactions in people sensitive to aspirin
2. Aspirin Cross-Reactivity
If you have aspirin sensitivity, you may also react to azo dyes like E122 due to chemical similarity.
Regulatory Status by Country
Approved (with warnings): EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand
NOT Approved: USA (FDA rejection)
Warning required (EU): “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”
Safe Daily Limits (if approved in your region):
• EFSA (EU): 0.7 mg/kg body weight
• WHO/FAO: 4 mg/kg body weight
Comparison to E124 (Ponceau 4R)
E122 and E124 are chemically similar red azo dyes with similar health concerns:
• Both require the same EU warning label
• Both are linked to hyperactivity in children
• Both are coal-tar derived
• Both are NOT approved by FDA
• The main difference is their specific chemical structure
Natural Alternatives
If you want to avoid E122, manufacturers sometimes use:
• 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
E122 (Carmoisine) is a synthetic azo dye approved for use in the EU, UK, and Australia, but with mandatory warnings about potential effects on children’s behavior.
Key points:
• It’s NOT approved in the USA due to safety concerns
• Mandatory EU warning labels exist specifically due to hyperactivity links in children
• It can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• The behavioral effects documented are dose-dependent—higher intakes cause worse effects
• It’s entirely synthetic, derived from coal tar
• Research shows individual children respond differently based on genetic factors
Recommendation: If you’re concerned about hyperactivity in children, limit consumption of products containing E122 (Carmoisine). Check labels for the warning label and ingredient list. For ongoing dietary use, particularly for children, consider choosing products colored with natural dyes (carmine, betanin, paprika) as alternatives.
