We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailCarmosine, Carmoisine, CI 14720, E122, Red 3, 53026-69-9
Carmoisine (E122) – Red Food Dye (Red 3)
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Color Name | Carmoisine, Karmoisine, Carmosine |
| Food Code | E122 |
| Color Shade | Red (dark red to reddish-violet) |
| Colour Index Number | 14720 |
| Colour Index Reference (Food) | Red 3 |
| EC Number | E-122 |
| CAS Number | 53026-69-9 |
| Total Dye Concentration | 85% |
| Volatile Matter | 15% |
| Physical Form | Powder |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Chemical Class | Azo dye |
| Origin | India (common production) |
What is it?
Carmoisine (E122) is a synthetic food colorant known by the code E122. It is a water-soluble dye available in powder form. Chemically, it belongs to the azo dye class and produces shades ranging from dark red to reddish-violet.
Note: Carmoisine is sometimes confused with Azorubine (also coded E122 in some systems). This text refers to Carmoisine/Karmoisine.
Functions and Properties
Carmoisine (E122) is water-soluble, making it effective for use across different industries. Its wide application range makes it a preferred colorant for many products.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Color Shade | Dark red to reddish-violet |
| Form | Powder |
| Chemical Class | Azo dye |
| Purity | Total dye concentration 85% |
Application Areas
Carmoisine (E122) is used in the food industry as well as many other sectors:
1. Food Industry
| Product Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Beverages | Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, syrups |
| Desserts | Jellies, puddings, custards |
| Ice Cream | Ice cream, sorbets, frozen desserts |
| Confectionery | Hard candies, gummies, chewing gum, jellies |
| Processed Foods | Fruit preserves, jams, ready-made sauces |
| Bakery Products | Cakes, pastries (colored creams and decorations) |
2. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
| Product Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hair Care | Shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes |
| Bath Products | Bath foams, shower gels |
| Soaps | Liquid soaps, bar soaps |
| Oral Care | Toothpastes, mouthwashes |
| Perfumes | Alcohol-based perfumes |
3. Household / Detergent Industry
| Product Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dishwashing Detergents | Hand dishwashing detergents, machine dishwashing detergents |
| Laundry Detergents | Liquid and powder laundry detergents |
Potential Health Risks and Concerns
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Carmoisine may cause allergic reactions (skin rashes, itching, hives, respiratory difficulty), especially in aspirin-sensitive individuals and asthmatics. |
| Hyperactivity and Attention | Some research suggests that E122 (together with certain other artificial colors) may contribute to hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADHD)-like behavioral problems in children. In the EU, foods containing E122 must carry a warning label. |
| Asthma Symptoms | May trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. |
| Carcinogenicity Concerns | While some older studies raised concerns, current regulatory authorities (EFSA) consider it safe within established daily intake limits. |
| Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) | 0-4 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA) |
Precautions
-
Safe Consumption Limits: Keep consumption of Carmoisine and other artificial colorants within established safe limits.
-
ADI: 0-4 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
-
-
Allergic Reaction Symptoms: Individuals who show any signs of an allergic reaction should avoid such substances and consult a healthcare professional.
-
Label Reading Habit: Carefully read food and other product labels.
-
May appear on labels as: E122, Carmoisine, Karmoisine, Azorubin (sometimes confused), CI 14720, Red 3
-
-
Sensitive Groups: Aspirin-sensitive individuals, asthmatics, and parents of children with behavioral concerns should exercise caution.
Legal Status and Labeling
| Region | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Permitted | Warning label required due to Southampton Study (together with E110, E104, E122, E124, E129) |
| Turkey | Permitted | Compliant with EU regulations; warning label required |
| United States (FDA) | Not permitted | Carmoisine (E122) is not approved for food use in the USA |
| Japan | Permitted | With certain restrictions |
| Canada | Not permitted | Not approved as a food additive |
| Australia/New Zealand | Permitted |
EU Warning Label: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Important Note: Carmoisine (E122) is not approved / banned for food use in the United States (similar to E124).
E122 vs. Other Red Food Dyes – Comparison
| Feature | E122 (Carmoisine) | E124 (Ponceau 4R) | E120 (Carmine) | E129 (Allura Red) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Synthetic (azo) | Synthetic (azo) | Natural (insect-derived) | Synthetic (azo) |
| Color Shade | Dark red / Reddish-violet | Bright red / Ruby red | Deep red / Crimson | Reddish-orange |
| USA Status | Banned | Banned | Permitted | Permitted |
| EU Status | Permitted (warning label) | Permitted (warning label) | Permitted | Permitted (warning label) |
| ADI (mg/kg) | 0-4 | 0-4 | 0-5 | 0-7 |
| Halal/Kosher | Yes (synthetic) | Yes (synthetic) | No (insect-derived) | Yes (synthetic) |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Sector Suitability Table
| Sector | Application Area | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | Beverages, confectionery, ice cream, desserts | ✅ Widespread (except USA) | Warning label required in EU; banned in USA |
| Cosmetics | Shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes | ✅ Widespread | Must be labeled |
| Household | Dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents | ✅ Widespread | Common industrial use |
| Pharmaceuticals | Tablet coatings, syrups | ✅ Limited (except USA) | Used in certain countries |
| Textiles | — | ❌ Low | Not commonly used in textile dyeing |
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is E122? | Carmoisine (Karmoisine), a synthetic red azo dye. |
| Is it safe? | Considered safe by EFSA within established ADI limits (0-4 mg/kg). |
| Is it banned in the USA? | Yes, E122 (Carmoisine) is not approved for food use in the United States. |
| Who are sensitive groups? | Aspirin-sensitive individuals, asthmatics, children with ADHD (sensitive individuals). |
| What products contain it? | Candies, beverages, ice cream, shampoos, toothpastes, detergents. |
| Are there natural alternatives? | Yes: carmine (E120 - insect-based, not vegan), beetroot red (E162), red rice yeast. |
| How is it listed on labels? | E122, Carmoisine, Karmoisine, CI 14720, Red 3. |
Key Takeaway
Carmoisine (E122) is a synthetic red azo dye widely used in the EU but banned for food use in the United States. While regulatory authorities consider it safe within established ADI limits (0-4 mg/kg), it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and carries a hyperactivity warning label in the EU. Beyond food, it is also commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, and detergent industries. Aspirin-sensitive individuals, asthmatics, and parents of children with behavioral concerns should be particularly attentive to products containing E122.
