What is E124? Ponceau 4R Explained
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E124 is Ponceau 4R — a red synthetic azo dye, one of the Southampton Six — requires a warning label on food sold in the EU and UK.
What is E124 (Ponceau 4R)?
E124 is Ponceau 4R, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A red synthetic azo dye, one of the southampton six — requires a warning label on food sold in the eu and uk. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E124 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 E124 found?
E124 (Ponceau 4R) 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 E124 safe?
E124 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E124 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 Ponceau 4R 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: Ponceau 4R — status Some concerns.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E124. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
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E124 FAQs
What is E124 in food?
E124 is Ponceau 4R — a red synthetic azo dye, one of the Southampton Six — requires a warning label on food sold in the EU and UK.
Is E124 safe to eat?
E124 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. E124 is one of the Southampton Six (or associated additives) — EFSA's 2012 opinion confirmed a link to hyperactivity in children when
Is E124 vegan?
E124 (Ponceau 4R) is vegan. It is derived from synthetic azo dye, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E124 halal?
E124 (Ponceau 4R) 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