Azorubine
Also known as: E122, carmoisine, Food Red 3, Brillantcarmoisin O, Acid Red 14
Azorubine (E122) is one of the six azo dyes (the 'Southampton Six') subject to mandatory EU warning labeling: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. Not approved for use in foods in the United States.
What it is
Azorubine (Carmoisine), E122, a synthetic red azo dye.
Food colorant providing red/maroon color.
Why it's flagged
- Linked to hyperactivity/attention effects in children (Southampton study)
- EU child-warning labeling required
- Not FDA-approved as food color
What regulators actually say
"May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children — required label statement for foods containing E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 and E129."
"EFSA's Panel on Food Additives re-evaluated Azorubine/Carmoisine (E 122) and revised the ADI to 4 mg/kg bw/day."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved as a food color additive in the US (not on certified-color list 21 CFR 74)
European Union — EFSA
E122 authorized in EU with restrictions; mandatory warning under Reg. (EC) 1333/2008 Annex V
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