Number: E122
Name: Azorubine
Other names: Food Red, Cl 14720
Function: Colour
Description: red colour
Origin: synthetic azo dye
Application:
In the EU E122 is authorised for use:
- in certain foods and beverages (cheese, dried fruit, some alcoholic beverage)
- for use as an excipient in medications
In the United States:
- E122 was listed in 1939 as D&C Red No. 10 for use in externally applies drugs and cosmetics. It was delisted in 1963.
- it was never used in food
Daily intake: up to 4 mg/kg body weight
Side effects:
- it appears to cause allergic or intolerant reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance and asthma sufferers
- it is a histamine liberator and may intensify symptoms of asthma
- in combination with benzoates, it is also implicated in hyperactivity in children
Curiosities:
- cannot be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians, because it is extracted from insects
- very soluble in water
