Ponceau 4R (E124)
Ponceau 4R 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, desserts, sauces, drinks and some meat products red. On labels it appears as ponceau 4R, cochineal red A or E124.
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 |
Ponceau 4R was part of one of the colour mixtures in the Southampton study, which is the basis for the app's note for children and infants. The evidence is limited. For adults the app notes possible dye intolerance.
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): Azo-dye hypersensitivity in sensitive adults.
- Child (food), Infant (food): Southampton Mix A dye: small activity and attention effects in some children plus dye hypersensitivity 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). EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake to 0.7 mg per kg body weight per day.
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 Ponceau 4R (E 124)
- EFSA 2009: re-evaluation of Tartrazine (E 102)
- McCann et al. 2007 (Lancet): food additives and hyperactivity in children
Related ingredients
- Tartrazine (E102)
- Quinoline Yellow (E104)
- Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)
- Carmoisine (E122)
- 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.