Number: E124
Name: Ponceau 4R
Other names: Food Red 7, Cl 16255, Cochineal Red A, CI Acid Red 18, Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Brilliant Scarlet 4R, New Coccine
Function: Colour
Description: red colour (strawberry red)
Origin: synthetic azo dye
Application
- in certain foods and beverages (cake, jelly powder, jam, dessert sauces, tomato soup, drinks, ice cream,)
- a colour of egg shells
- it is used in Europe, Asia and Australia but has not been approved by the US FDA
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:
- can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians
- very soluble in water
