Azorubine
A synthetic azo dye, also called carmoisine. Linked to hyperactivity in children, so the EU requires a warning label.
- Category
- Colours
- Acceptable daily intake
- 4 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Azorubine (E122), also sold as carmoisine, is a synthetic red azo dye used to colour food. It belongs to the same chemical family as tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E110) and shares their principal concern: it is one of the six colours examined in the 2007 Southampton trial, which reported increased hyperactivity in children.
How it is used in food
Gives foods a red to maroon colour.
Commonly found in- Jams, marmalades and conserves
- Marzipan and confectionery
- Flavoured yoghurts and dairy desserts
- Soft drinks and fruit-flavoured beverages
- Packet dessert mixes and jellies
- Glacé cherries
- Some soups and sauces
Health and safety
May cause intolerance reactions, and can contribute to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
The evidence on E122 is dominated by one study and the regulatory response to it. Individual sensitivity accounts for the rest.
Hyperactivity in children
The 2007 Southampton trial reported that mixtures including azorubine increased hyperactive behaviour in 3-, 8- and 9-year-olds. This finding, not a chemical hazard classification, is why the EU warning label exists.
Allergic reactions
Azo dyes can provoke reactions in sensitive individuals, including those intolerant of aspirin, with whom cross-reactivity is reported.
Asthma symptoms
May aggravate symptoms in some people with asthma. Reported in sensitive individuals rather than the general population.
EFSA re-evaluated it in 2009 and kept the ADI at 4 mg/kg body weight per day.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code as colouring 122. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted, warning label required | Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, but Annex V requires the warning statement on any food containing it. “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” |
| United Kingdom FSA (Food Standards Agency) |
Permitted, warning label required | Retained EU law; the same warning applies. “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Not approved | Not listed as an approved colour additive for food use by the FDA. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E122
- Colour index
- C.I. 14720
Also printed asAzorubin S · C.I. 14720 · Carmoisine · Food Red 3
Alternatives to this additive
- E162: Beetroot red — Beetroot red, a natural red from beets.
- E163: Anthocyanins — Anthocyanins, natural red-purple pigments from berries and red cabbage.
- Products labelled "no artificial colours" — Avoids the whole class rather than one dye.
How it is made
Azorubine is manufactured rather than extracted. The synthesis is the standard azo-coupling route, which is what places it in the same family as the other Southampton colours.
- Raw materials — Aromatic amines derived from petroleum feedstock.
- Diazotisation — The primary amine is converted to a diazonium salt.
- Coupling — The diazonium salt is coupled with a naphthol compound, forming the azo bond that gives the dye its colour.
- Purification — The crude dye is filtered, washed and dried to food-grade specification.
- Formulation — Supplied as a powder, granule or aqueous solution.
Worth knowing
One of the six colours in the Southampton study on children's behaviour.
Conclusion
E122 is a synthetic azo dye whose principal documented concern is increased hyperactivity in children. It remains permitted in the EU, but only with a warning label, and it is not approved for food use in the United States. Natural red colours cover most of the same applications, so avoiding it is practical for anyone who wants to.
References
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-04.
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