E122: Carmoisine

What is E122 (Carmoisine)?

Carmoisine (E122), also known as Azorubine or Food Red 3, is a synthetic dark red or maroon azo dye used as a food coloring. It belongs to the same family of azo dyes as Tartrazine (E102) and Sunset Yellow (E110), sharing many of the same health concerns. Carmoisine was identified as one of the "Southampton Six" — a group of artificial food colors implicated in causing hyperactivity in children.

Source and Production

Carmoisine is entirely synthetic, produced through chemical manufacturing:

Raw Materials: Derived from coal tar or petroleum-based aromatic amines 2. Diazotization: The primary amine is converted to a diazonium salt 3. Coupling Reaction: The diazonium salt is coupled with a naphthol compound to form the azo dye 4. Purification: The crude dye is filtered, washed, and dried to food-grade standards 5. Formulation: Available as a powder, granule, or aqueous solution

As a synthetic dye, carmoisine offers consistent color intensity and good stability in acidic conditions.

Common Uses in Food

E122 is found in a variety of processed foods:

Jam, marmalade, and conserves
Marzipan and confectionery
Yogurt and flavored dairy products
Soft drinks and fruit-flavored beverages
Desserts and dessert toppings
Jelly and packet dessert mixes
Glacé cherries
Soups and sauces
Some medications and pharmaceutical products

Health and Safety

The Southampton Six Connection

Carmoisine is one of the six food colorings identified in the landmark 2007 Southampton University study commissioned by the UK's Food Standards Agency. The study found that mixtures including carmoisine significantly increased hyperactivity in children aged 3, 8 and 9 years old. This led to:

A 2008 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) opinion supporting the findings
A European Parliament recommendation that manufacturers voluntarily remove these colorings
Mandatory warning labels required on products containing any of the six dyes in the EU

Safety Concerns

Hyperactivity: Strong evidence links carmoisine to increased hyperactivity and attention difficulties in children
Allergic reactions: Can trigger allergic responses, particularly in individuals sensitive to aspirin (cross-reactivity)
Asthma: May exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals
Skin reactions: Associated with urticaria (hives) and angioedema in susceptible people

Regulatory Status

European Union: Permitted as E122, but products must display the warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
United States: Not approved for use in foods
Australia/New Zealand: Banned
Norway and Sweden: Formerly banned; now permitted under EU harmonization
ADI: The EFSA has set an Acceptable Daily Intake of 4 mg/kg body weight/day

Identification on Labels

Carmoisine may appear on food labels as:

E122
Carmoisine
Azorubine
Food Red 3
Azorubin S
C.I. 14720

Alternatives

Consumers wishing to avoid carmoisine can look for:

Beetroot red (E162): Natural red coloring from beets
Anthocyanins (E163): Natural blue-red pigments from berries and red cabbage
Cochineal/Carmine (E120): Natural red dye from insects
Products labeled "no artificial colors"
Organic-certified foods: Generally prohibit synthetic colorings

Conclusion

E122 (Carmoisine) is a controversial synthetic red azo dye with well-documented links to hyperactivity in children. While still permitted in the EU with mandatory warning labels, it is banned in the US, Australia, and several other countries. Parents of children who show signs of hyperactivity or ADHD may particularly benefit from avoiding carmoisine and other synthetic azo dyes. The availability of natural red colorings makes avoiding this additive increasingly practical.