E122 Azorubine (Carmoisine)

E122ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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VeganYes

Azorubine is synthetic and is not made from insects.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Azorubine (E122), also called carmoisine, is a synthetic raspberry-red dye. Foods that contain it in Europe must warn about effects on children's attention, and it is not allowed in US or Canadian food.

34/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE122

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit4 mg/kg

Also calledAzorubine, Carmoisine

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive

🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Azorubine may be used in the EU only with the warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA kept a daily limit of 4 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. It is not a permitted food color in the US or Canada.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

280 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 4 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 80 mg a day.

What is it?

Azorubine is a bright red azo dye used in European candy, desserts and drinks. Shoppers sometimes meet it in imported sweets. It is chemically unrelated to carmine, the insect-based red.

Where it comes from: Azorubine is an azo dye built in a factory from petroleum-derived intermediates. The red color is not extracted from fruit or insects.

Why it’s in food

Colors candy raspberry red
Colors desserts and ices
Colors soft drinks red
Tints jellies and sauces

Often found in

Gummy candyIce popsFruit drinksJelly dessertsImported biscuitsMarzipan

Also listed as: Azorubine, Carmoisine, CI 14720, Food Red 3

Health & gut impact

HyperactivityUnder study

Azorubine was one of the six dyes in the Southampton mixtures linked with more restless behavior in some children.

McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

Daily limitUnder study

EFSA's limit for azorubine is 4 mg per kg of body weight a day, and a child who drinks a lot of dyed beverages can get close to it.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

Skip the synthetic red

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free fruit snacks

Colored with fruit and vegetable juice.

Shop dye-free fruit snacks Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Beet powder

A plant red for frosting and smoothies.

Shop beet powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Hibiscus tea

Brews a tart pink-red for drinks and ice pops.

Shop hibiscus tea Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

What can I use instead?

Beetroot red

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Candy and yogurt

Black carrot or hibiscus

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Drinks and ices

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Amaranth dye E123Amaranth dye (E123) is a synthetic red that the US banned in 1976. Europe still allows tiny uses. It is not the amaranth seed sold as a gluten-free grain.Best to avoid Ammonia caramel (Caramel III) E150cAmmonia caramel (E150c) is the caramel class made with ammonia and no sulfite, common in beer. It is approved, but like cola caramel it can contain 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65.Use in moderation Annatto E160bAnnatto (E160b) is a natural orange color from achiote seeds. It's what makes cheddar orange. It's safe and vegan, though it's one of the few natural colors that can trigger allergies.Generally safe

Common questions

Is carmoisine the same as carmine?

No. Carmoisine is a factory-made azo dye (E122). Carmine (E120) is the red pigment from cochineal insects.

Is Azorubine safe?

Best to avoid (34/100). Azorubine may be used in the EU only with the warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA kept a daily limit of 4 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. It is not a permitted food color in the US or Canada.

Is Azorubine vegan?

Yes. Azorubine is synthetic and is not made from insects.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E122
McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

INS 122 · CAS 3567-69-9