What is E122? Carmoisine Explained
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E122 is Carmoisine — a red synthetic azo dye, one of the Southampton Six linked to hyperactivity in children.
What is E122 (Carmoisine)?
E122 is Carmoisine, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A red synthetic azo dye, one of the southampton six linked to hyperactivity in children. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E122 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E122 found?
E122 (Carmoisine) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Is E122 safe?
E122 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E122 is one of the Southampton Six (or associated additives) — EFSA's 2012 opinion confirmed a link to hyperactivity in children when consumed in combination, and the EU requires foods containing it to carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'. For most people consuming Carmoisine in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Carmoisine — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E122. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
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E122 FAQs
What is E122 in food?
E122 is Carmoisine — a red synthetic azo dye, one of the Southampton Six linked to hyperactivity in children.
Is E122 safe to eat?
E122 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E122 is one of the Southampton Six (or associated additives) — EFSA's 2012 opinion confirmed a link to hyperactivity in children when
Is E122 vegan?
E122 (Carmoisine) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic azo dye, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E122 halal?
E122 (Carmoisine) is halal. It is derived from synthetic azo dye, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA