What is E123? Amaranth Explained
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E123 is Amaranth — a colour (synthetic azo dye; banned US) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E123 (Amaranth)?
E123 is Amaranth, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (synthetic azo dye; banned us) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Note: despite holding an E-number, E123 is banned or heavily restricted in at least one major market — the safety section below explains exactly where and why.
Where is E123 found?
E123 (Amaranth) 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 E123 safe?
E123 is banned or not permitted in at least one major market — see details below. E123 (Amaranth) has been banned in the US since 1976 after animal studies raised cancer concerns. It remains permitted in the EU. The 'banned' status here means at least one major food regulator has determined this additive is not acceptable in food.
EFSA opinion: Amaranth — status Banned/restricted.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E123. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Cleaner alternatives to E123
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E123 FAQs
What is E123 in food?
E123 is Amaranth — a colour (synthetic azo dye; banned US) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E123 safe to eat?
E123 is banned or not permitted in at least one major market — see details below. E123 (Amaranth) has been banned in the US since 1976 after animal studies raised cancer concerns. It remains permitted
Is E123 vegan?
E123 (Amaranth) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic azo dye; banned US, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E123 halal?
E123 (Amaranth) is halal. It is derived from synthetic azo dye; banned US, 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