E124

E124 is the European food additive designation for Ponceau 4R, a synthetic azo dye used as a red colorant in a variety of products. It is water-soluble and generally stable under heat and light, making it suitable for processed foods and some cosmetics.

Common uses of E124 include beverages, candies, jellies and desserts, bakery fillings, processed meats, sauces, and certain cosmetic products. In these applications, it provides a bright red color and helps differentiate products or flavors.

Regulatory status varies by region. In the European Union, E124 is permitted as a food colorant under specific concentration limits and must be listed in ingredient declarations as E124. Some member states require labeling or warnings in certain contexts. In the United States, Ponceau 4R is not approved by the FDA for use in foods, and color additives in foods are governed by different regulatory frameworks. Other countries may have additional restrictions or approvals, reflecting local risk assessments and consumer protection policies.

Safety and health considerations are subject to ongoing evaluation. Authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority have established an acceptable daily intake for E124, reflecting a cautious risk assessment. As with many azo dyes, rare hypersensitivity or allergic reactions have been reported in some individuals. Public and regulatory attention has occasionally focused on potential behavioural or developmental effects in children, but evidence remains inconclusive. Given these considerations, some manufacturers and markets prefer alternative colorants, particularly in products marketed to children or in regions with stringent labeling requirements.