Ponceau 4R (E124) — What You Need to Know
What Is Ponceau 4R?
Ponceau 4R is a synthetic red azo dye used primarily in Europe as a food coloring. It produces a strawberry red shade and is commonly found in desserts, confectionery, and processed meats. It was one of the six dyes studied in the influential 2007 Southampton/McCann study that linked food dye mixtures to increased hyperactivity in children.
What Is It Used For?
Used as a red food coloring in dessert toppings, canned fruits, confectionery, sausages, and soft drinks, primarily in countries where it is still authorized. Not approved for use in the United States.
Safety Assessment
Ponceau 4R was included in the 2007 McCann/Southampton study that found food dye mixtures were associated with increased hyperactivity in children. As a result, the EU requires a mandatory warning label on products containing it: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' It is not approved for use in the United States and is banned in Norway and Finland. As an azo dye, it contains an azo group (-N=N-) that may theoretically be cleaved by intestinal bacteria to release aromatic amines, though the toxicological significance of this at normal dietary levels remains debated.
Based on current evidence, Ponceau 4R is rated Questionable with a score of 3/10. This is 2.8 points below the average for colorings (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2009. A typical diet provides about 0.1% of the acceptable daily intake.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E124 or 'Ponceau 4R'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponceau 4R
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E124
- INS Number
- 124
- Category
- Colorings
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Not approved
- EFSA Status
- Authorized (with mandatory warning label)
- ADI
- 4 mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2009
Related Additives
Other colorings in the same family