Carmoisine (E122)
Carmoisine (azorubine) is a synthetic red azo dye. EU foods that contain it must carry the warning about activity and attention in children.
What it is
It colours sweets, jams, desserts, drinks and some meat products red. On labels it appears as carmoisine, azorubine or E122.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food | Skin (cosmetics) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Medium | No concern found |
| Child | High | No concern found |
| Infant | High | No concern found |
| Dog | Low | No concern found |
| Cat | Low | No concern found |
EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation kept the acceptable daily intake at 4 mg per kg body weight per day. For adults the app notes possible dye intolerance. For children and infants it uses the Southampton findings, where the evidence is limited.
Basis of the ratings: limited or mixed data, errs on safety.
Possible concerns: Allergenic, Hyperactivity in children.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (food): Carmoisine: EFSA 2009 re-evaluation retained ADI 4 mg/kg bw/day; dye intolerance in sensitive adults.
- Child (food), Infant (food): Dye intolerance in sensitive individuals.
- Dog (food), Cat (food): No pet data; precautionary Low for dye hypersensitivity carried over from the human adult signal.
Rules and use
Authorised in the EU. A food that contains it must show the name or E-number and the children's warning text (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex V).
IARC classification: Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. IARC rates whether a substance can cause cancer in principle (hazard). It does not rate the risk at normal intake.
Read the guide: Food colours and children
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 1169/2011, Annex II: substances causing allergies
- Reg. (EU) 2023/1545: labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetics
- EFSA 2008: evaluation of the Southampton study on additives and child behaviour
- EFSA 2009: re-evaluation of Azorubine/Carmoisine (E 122)
- McCann et al. 2007 (Lancet): food additives and hyperactivity in children
Related ingredients
- Tartrazine (E102)
- Quinoline Yellow (E104)
- Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)
- Ponceau 4R (E124)
- Allura Red AC (E129)
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.