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Send EmailPonceau 4R, Red Food Color, New Coccine, Food Red 7, Food Color Red 102, CI 16255, E124, 2611-82-7
Ponceau 4R (E124) – Food Red 7
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Ponceau 4R, New Coccine |
| Food Code | E124 |
| Colour Index Name | Food Red 7 |
| Other Names | C.I. 16255, Food Colour Red 102 |
| CAS Number | 2611-82-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₀H₁₅N₂NaO₁₀S₃ |
| Chemical Class | Azo dye |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Color Shade | Bright red to ruby red |
What is it?
Ponceau 4R (E124) is a synthetic red colorant widely used in the food industry. It gives foods a bright red to ruby red color. Chemically, it belongs to the azo dye class and is water-soluble. It is known by several names, including New Coccine and Food Red 7.
Which Products Is It Used In?
Ponceau 4R (E124) is used in many different food product categories. Here are some common product categories where this colorant is found:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Beverages | Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, syrups |
| Confectionery & Sugar Products | Sugar-coated candies, gummies, jellies, gums, some chocolates |
| Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts | Some ice creams, sorbets, frozen desserts |
| Jellies & Puddings | Jellies, puddings, other gel-based desserts |
| Ready Meals | Especially in packaged or prepared foods, such as soups, sauces, and various ready-made dishes |
| Spice Blends | Some spice mixtures and ready-made seasonings |
| Sauces & Desserts | Some prepared sauces, desserts, and sweeteners |
| Children's Foods | Some colorful children's products, especially colorful candies and beverages |
Potential Health Risks and Concerns
Excessive consumption of colorants like Ponceau 4R (E124) may cause adverse health effects in some individuals. However, these effects generally occur with large amounts or depend on individual circumstances. Here are the possible risks of Ponceau 4R:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Some people may show allergic reactions to Ponceau 4R and similar colorants. These reactions may include skin redness, itching, swelling, or respiratory problems. More common in those with aspirin sensitivity. |
| Hyperactivity | Some research suggests that excessive consumption of colorants and additives, especially in children, may cause attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. However, there is no consensus on this issue, and more research is needed. In the EU, foods containing E124 (along with E110, E104, E122, E129, E102) must carry a warning label. |
| Headaches and Stomach Issues | Some individuals may experience headaches or stomach discomfort as a result of excessive consumption of colorants. |
| Asthma and Respiratory Problems | Some people may experience asthma symptoms or respiratory problems when exposed to certain colorants. |
| Carcinogenicity Concerns | Some animal studies regarding certain colorants have raised concerns about carcinogenicity. However, more research is needed to determine the effects on humans. Regulatory authorities (EFSA, FDA) consider E124 safe within established daily intake limits. |
Precautions
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Safe Consumption Limits: It is important to keep consumption of Ponceau 4R and other artificial colorants within established safe limits.
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Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): 0-4 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA - European Food Safety Authority)
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Allergic Reaction Symptoms: Individuals who show any signs of an allergic reaction should avoid such substances and consult a healthcare professional.
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Label Reading Habit: Carefully read food and beverage labels and understand the ingredients.
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May appear on labels as: E124, Ponceau 4R, New Coccine, C.I. 16255, Food Red 7
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Healthy Alternatives: Research and prefer healthier alternatives where possible.
Legal Status and Labeling
| Region | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Permitted | Warning label required due to Southampton Study (together with E110, E104, E122, E129, E102) |
| Turkey | Permitted | Compliant with EU regulations; warning label required |
| USA (FDA) | Not permitted | Not approved for use in foods (banned) |
| Japan | Permitted | |
| Norway | Restricted / Banned | Subject to restrictions |
EU Warning Label: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Note: E124 is banned in the United States and is not approved for use in food products.
Physical and Chemical Properties (Summary)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Red to ruby red powder or granules |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| pH Stability | Stable in acidic medium |
| Light Stability | Moderate |
| Heat Stability | Good |
E124 vs. Other Red Food Dyes (Comparison)
| Feature | E124 (Ponceau 4R) | E120 (Carmine) | E122 (Azorubine) | E129 (Allura Red) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Synthetic (azo) | Natural (insect-derived) | Synthetic (azo) | Synthetic (azo) |
| Color Shade | Bright red / Ruby red | Deep red / Crimson | Red to violet-red | Reddish-orange |
| USA Status | Banned | Permitted | Not common | Permitted |
| EU Status | Permitted (warning label) | Permitted | Permitted (warning label) | Permitted (warning label) |
| Halal/Kosher | Yes (synthetic) | No (insect-derived) | Yes (synthetic) | Yes (synthetic) |
| Vegan | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Sector Suitability Table
| Sector | Application Area | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | Confectionery, beverages, desserts, sauces, jellies | ✅ Widespread (except USA) | Most common application; legal limits must be observed |
| Pharmaceuticals | Tablet coatings, syrups | ✅ Limited (outside USA) | Used as a colorant in certain medications |
| Cosmetics | Lipsticks, shampoos, soaps | ✅ Limited | Restricted in some countries; must be labeled |
| Textiles | — | ❌ Not suitable | Not commonly used in textile dyeing |
| Pet Food | Dry food, treats | ✅ Permitted (outside USA) | Can be used within legal limits |
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is E124? | Ponceau 4R, a synthetic red azo dye used as a food colorant. |
| Is it safe? | Considered safe by EFSA within established daily intake limits (ADI 0-4 mg/kg). |
| Is it banned in the USA? | Yes, E124 is not approved for use in foods in the United States. |
| Who are sensitive groups? | Aspirin-sensitive individuals, asthmatics, children with ADHD (sensitive individuals) |
| What products contain it? | Candies, soft drinks, jellies, desserts, sauces, ready meals. |
| How is it listed on labels? | E124, Ponceau 4R, New Coccine, C.I. 16255, Food Red 7. |
Key Takeaway
Ponceau 4R (E124) is a widely used synthetic red colorant in the EU and many other countries, but it is banned in the United States. While regulatory authorities consider it safe within established ADI limits, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and carries a hyperactivity warning label in the EU. Consumers with aspirin sensitivity, asthma, or parents of children with behavioral concerns should be particularly attentive to labels containing E124.
