E124 Ponceau 4R

E124ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Synthetic. Unlike carmine, it isn't made from insects.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Ponceau 4R (E124) is a synthetic strawberry-red dye from the Southampton study. It needs a hyperactivity warning in the EU and isn't allowed in US or Canadian food.

32/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE124

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limit0.7 mg/kg

Also calledPonceau 4R, Cochineal red A

Find red treats without Ponceau 4R

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Dye-free gummies

Red from fruit and vegetable juices instead of azo dyes.

Shop dye-free gummies Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Beet powder

A natural red for frosting, smoothies and baking.

Shop beet powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean substitute

Plant-based food coloring set

Reds, yellows and blues from vegetables and spices.

Shop natural food coloring Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive

🇪🇺 European UnionWarning label required

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the EU with a warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA lowered its daily limit to 0.7 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. Not allowed in food in the US or Canada.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

49 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 0.7 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 14 mg a day.

What is it?

Ponceau 4R is a bright red azo dye, chemically related to Red 40. It's used in European and Asian candy, desserts and processed meats, and you may find it in imported sweets.

Where it comes from: A synthetic azo dye made from petroleum-based chemicals. Despite the name "cochineal red A", it has nothing to do with insects.

Why it’s in food

Colors candy and jelly red
Colors desserts and toppings
Gives sausages and salami a pink-red color
Colors soft drinks and cordials

Often found in

Candy and jelly sweetsDessert toppings and saucesChorizo and some sausagesSoft drinks and cordialsGlacé cherriesImported snacks

Also listed as: Ponceau 4R, Cochineal red A, Acid Red 18, New coccine, Brilliant scarlet 4R, CI 16255

Health & gut impact

Hyperactivity in childrenUnder study

It was one of six dyes in the Southampton study, which linked dye mixes to more hyperactive behavior in children.

McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)

Allergy-like reactionsUnder study

Like other azo dyes, it can trigger hives or asthma flare-ups in a small number of sensitive people, especially those sensitive to aspirin.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

What can I use instead?

Beetroot red

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Candy, yogurt and desserts

Carmine

Ratio: To shade

Best for: Meat products (not vegan)

Ponceau 4R vs Allura Red AC

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 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 Anthocyanins E163Anthocyanins (E163) are the natural red, purple and blue pigments of grapes, berries and purple carrots. They're one of the safest food colors and fit every diet we check.Generally safe Beetroot Red (Betanin) E162Beetroot red (E162) is a natural red color made from beets, and it's one of the safest colors you'll find on a label. It's the most common swap for Red 40, though it fades with heat and light.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Ponceau 4R safe?

Best to avoid (32/100). Allowed in the EU with a warning that it may affect children's activity and attention. EFSA lowered its daily limit to 0.7 mg per kg of body weight in 2009. Not allowed in food in the US or Canada.

Is Ponceau 4R vegan?

Yes. Synthetic. Unlike carmine, it isn't made from insects.

Is Ponceau 4R gluten-free?

Yes.

Is Ponceau 4R made from cochineal insects?

No. It's sometimes called "cochineal red A" because of its color, but it's fully synthetic. Real cochineal color is carmine (E120).

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E124
McCann et al., The Lancet (2007)
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2009)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 124 · CAS 2611-82-7