Additive guide
E122 Carmoisinewhat it means on a food label
Southampton six azo dye. Not permitted in food in the US. Berry Pure flags additives like this during a scan so you can decide faster at the shelf.
Berry Pure verdict
Best avoided
E122 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E122 or Carmoisine on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
Usually found in
Jellies, sweets, cake mixes
If these are regular buys in your kitchen, scan a few brands side by side. Additive use can vary a lot between similar products.
Additive family
Colour
Dyes and pigments that change how food looks.
How to spot it on a label
Manufacturers may use the E-number code, the full additive name, or a common alternative name. These are the label terms to check:
- E122
- Carmoisine
- Azorubine
The evidence record
EFSA re-evaluated azorubine/carmoisine in 2009 and concluded the database gave no reason to revise the long-standing ADI of 4 mg per kg of body weight per day. The panel reviewed genotoxicity data, judged the dye not of genotoxic concern, and noted the 2007 Southampton study, in which mixtures containing carmoisine were linked to small increases in hyperactivity in three-year-old and eight-to-nine-year-old children. As with the other colours, EFSA regarded that behavioural signal as limited and not proof of an effect from carmoisine alone.
Carmoisine is a red dye used in European sweets, jellies, drinks, and desserts, meaning children are a key exposure group. A later refined EFSA exposure assessment found intakes stayed within the ADI across population groups. EU products containing it must display the Southampton attention-and-activity warning, which prompted many brands to reformulate. The dye is not on the FDA's list of colours approved for food in the United States, so it does not legally appear in American food products.
Acceptable daily intake
4 mg per kg of body weight per day (EFSA, 2009; retained from earlier JECFA and SCF evaluations)
Regulatory status
Permitted in the EU under Regulation EC 1333/2008 and one of the Southampton six, so it carries the child activity-and-attention warning. Not approved for use in food in the United States.
Related additives
Same family, similar label context, or the same Berry Pure verdict.
Frequently askedquestions
Everything you need to know about scanning your food with Berry Pure.
What is E122 Carmoisine?
E122 is Carmoisine, a colour used in foods such as jellies, sweets, cake mixes. Southampton six azo dye. Not permitted in food in the US.
Is E122 bad for you?
E122 is on Berry Pure's best-avoided list because the evidence record includes a ban, warning-label requirement, regulatory action, or a consistent health concern. The practical move is simple: if you see E122 or Carmoisine on a food you buy often, scan the label and look for a cleaner swap.
How do I spot E122 on a label?
Look for these label names: E122, Carmoisine, Azorubine. Some products spell out the additive name instead of using the E-number code.
Can Berry Pure flag E122?
Yes. Berry Pure scans ingredient labels with your camera and flags additives like E122 so you do not have to memorize code numbers while shopping.
Sources
The claims on this page are based on these publications.
See what’s really
in your food
Scan your first label in seconds and start making cleaner choices across your whole kitchen.
Free to download. Subscription required for Premium.
Berry Pure Premium is a monthly or annual subscription. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase and automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings.