E122

Carmoisine (Azorubine)

Synthetic Red Dye with Hyperactivity Concerns

What is E122 (Carmoisine)?

E122 is Carmoisine (also called Azorubine), a synthetic red dye made from petroleum (coal tar derivative).

Also known as:

• Azorubine
• Food Red 3
• C.I. Food Red 3
• Brilliant Crimson

Why it's used:

• Red-purple colour in drinks, sweets, and desserts
• Cheap synthetic alternative to natural dyes
• Stable in acidic conditions – ideal for soft drinks
• Heat resistant – doesn't fade during processing

Where is E122 Found?

Drinks:

• Red soft drinks (cherry, raspberry flavours)
• Flavoured cordials and squash
• Some alcoholic drinks (liqueurs)

Sweets & Desserts:

• Jelly and jelly sweets
• Marzipan
• Blancmange mixes
• Some ice lollies

Other Foods:

• Tinned strawberries and cherries
• Some yogurts (strawberry flavour)
• Packet soups
• Sausages (to enhance colour)

Non-Food Uses:

• Medicines (children's syrups)
• Cosmetics

Health Concerns

1. Hyperactivity in Children (Southampton Study)

E122 was one of six dyes tested in the 2007 Southampton Study:

• Linked to increased hyperactivity in children aged 3 and 8-9
• Reduced attention span and concentration
• Effects seen in general population, not just ADHD children
• Combined effect with preservative E211 (sodium benzoate)

Result: UK and EU now require warning labels on products containing E122.

2. Allergic Reactions

E122 can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people sensitive to azo dyes:

• Skin rashes and hives
• Itching and swelling
• Asthma attacks in sensitive individuals
• Rhinitis (runny nose)

Cross-reactivity: People allergic to aspirin or other azo dyes (E102 tartrazine, E110 sunset yellow) often react to E122.

3. Azo Dye Breakdown Concerns

E122 is an azo dye, which breaks down in the gut into aromatic amines:

• Gut bacteria metabolize E122
• Some breakdown products may be harmful
• Long-term health effects not fully understood

4. Possible Cancer Risk (Animal Studies)

• Some old animal studies suggested tumour formation at very high doses
• Human evidence: No clear cancer link in humans
• Regulatory agencies consider it safe at approved levels

Why is E122 Banned in the US?

The FDA never approved E122 for use in food, citing:

• Insufficient safety data
• Concerns about azo dye breakdown products
• Availability of approved alternatives (other red dyes like E129)

UK Warning Label Requirement

Since 2010, UK products containing E122 must display:

"May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"

This warning applies to six synthetic dyes linked to hyperactivity: E102, E110, E122, E124, E129, and E104.

Who Should Avoid E122?

❌ Must Avoid:

• Children with ADHD – may worsen symptoms
• People with aspirin allergy – high cross-reactivity risk
• Known allergy to azo dyes
• People with asthma – may trigger attacks

⚠️ Consider Limiting:

• All children – precautionary approach based on Southampton Study
• People with eczema or urticaria – may trigger skin reactions
• Anyone avoiding synthetic additives

Natural Alternatives

Many brands now use safer natural red colourings:

• Beetroot extract – purple-red
• Carmine (E120) – from cochineal insects (not vegan)
• Anthocyanins – from berries and red cabbage
• Paprika extract (E160c) – orange-red

The Bottom Line

• ❌ Banned in US, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Japan
• ⚠️ UK warning label required – may affect children's behaviour
• ⚠️ Hyperactivity concerns – Southampton Study evidence
• ⚠️ High allergy risk – especially aspirin-sensitive people
• ⚠️ Azo dye breakdown – gut metabolites may be harmful
• ⚠️ Cross-reactivity with other azo dyes (E102, E110)

Our recommendation: Avoid E122, especially for children. The widespread international bans suggest legitimate safety concerns. Choose products with natural red colourings like beetroot or anthocyanins.

Last updated: February 2026