Foods Containing E124 (Ponceau 4R)
E124 (Ponceau 4R) is a synthetic red dye linked to hyperactivity — banned in the US and warning-labelled in the EU. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E124
E124 is used across sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Tinned strawberries
- Sweets
- Cake decorations
- Salami casing
- Soft drinks
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E124 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E124" or as "Ponceau 4R".
How to spot E124 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "food colourings: E124" or "food colourings: ponceau 4r". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Ponceau 4R" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E124?
E124 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. Ponceau 4R is one of the 'Southampton Six' colours linked to hyperactivity in some children: in the EU and UK, foods containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E124 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E124: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).