Amaranth (E123) — What You Need to Know
What Is Amaranth?
Amaranth is a dark red to purple synthetic azo dye that was once widely used as a food coloring. It was banned by the FDA in 1976 after studies suggested potential carcinogenicity, making it one of the most well-known cases of a food dye being removed from the market. Despite sharing its name with the amaranth grain, the dye is entirely unrelated to the plant.
What Is It Used For?
Where still permitted, used in limited applications such as caviar and certain alcoholic beverages. Its use in the EU is extremely restricted due to the very low ADI.
Safety Assessment
Amaranth was banned by the FDA in 1976 after studies showed potential carcinogenicity in rats, though the results were scientifically disputed at the time. EFSA maintains authorization but set an extremely low ADI of 0.15 mg/kg bw/day, reflecting the level of concern. The very low ADI effectively limits its practical use to very few food categories. It is part of the broader family of azo dyes that have come under increased scrutiny following the 2007 Southampton study on hyperactivity in children. Not related to the amaranth grain despite sharing the name. EU use is extremely limited in practice.
Based on current evidence, Amaranth is rated Avoid with a score of 2/10. This is 3.8 points below the average for colorings (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2010.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E123 or 'Amaranth'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Amaranth
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E123
- INS Number
- 123
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Banned (FD&C Red No. 2 delisted in 1976)
- EFSA Status
- Authorized at extremely low ADI
- ADI
- 0.15 mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2010
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family