Ponceau 4r
Also known as: E124, Brilliant Scarlet 4R, Ponceau
Ponceau 4R is one of the 'Southampton Six' azo dyes that EU regulation requires to carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' It is not permitted as a color additive in food in the United States.
What it is
Ponceau 4R, a synthetic azo red dye also known as Cochineal Red A or CI 16255.
Red food coloring.
Why it's flagged
- Linked to hyperactivity in children (Southampton study)
- Azo dye allergenicity in sensitive individuals
- Mandatory EU child-warning label
What regulators actually say
"Foods containing the colours ... Ponceau 4R (E 124) ... shall include the additional information: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'."
"The Panel established an ADI of 0.7 mg/kg bw/day for Ponceau 4R."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not approved for use in food in the United States (not on FDA's permitted color additives list).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized in EU (Regulation (EC) 1333/2008) with mandatory hyperactivity warning per Annex V; ADI 0.7 mg/kg bw/day.
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