Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Ponceau, also known as Ponceau 4R (food additive E124), is a synthetic dye with a crimson red color.
The azo dye Ponceau is obtained from aromatic hydrocarbons, most commonly benzene derivatives derived from petroleum. The main raw materials include aniline, naphthol, and their derivatives.
In terms of its chemical composition, additive E124 is a sodium salt: a red granulate or powder that is highly soluble in water. The chemical formula of E124 is C20H11N2Na3O10S3.
Additive E124 offers a wide palette of shades: when mixed with yellow (E102, E104) or orange (E110) dyes, it produces brown tones, while combining it with a blue dye results in purple.
Additive E124 is thermally stable and resistant to light, reducing agents, and oxidizers. Products containing Ponceau can undergo various technological processes such as sterilization, pasteurization, cooling, or freezing.
Effects on the Body
Risks of additive E124
Additive E124 is a strong allergen and may cause anaphylactic shock or asthma attacks in individuals with aspirin intolerance or respiratory conditions.
Additionally, several studies have demonstrated the toxicity of Ponceau 4R at high doses. Due to concerns over its carcinogenic potential, additive E124 is banned for use in the food industry in the USA, Canada, Finland, and Norway. In the United Kingdom, its use is restricted, and many manufacturers have voluntarily removed it from their products.
Food additive E124 is among the dyes linked to increased hyperactivity in children. Details of this research are available on our website.
The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E124 at 0.7 mg/kg body weight. When this limit is respected, additive E124 is considered “safe.”
Benefits of additive E124
Due to its synthetic origin, additive E124 is not naturally present in living organisms. There is currently no scientific evidence supporting any health benefits of Ponceau 4R.
Uses
Ponceau (additive E124) is widely used—alone or in combination with other colorants—in the coloring of confectionery, beverages, ice cream, puddings, desserts, and fruit preserves. It is also used in the production of fish and meat products, dairy desserts, cakes, and curd-based items.
Other uses of additive E124 – Ponceau 4R include:
- in the production of liquid cleaning products (shampoos, liquid soaps, bath and shower gels);
- in the textile industry as a dye for wool and silk;
- in cosmetics for product coloration.
Legal Status
In the USA, Canada, Finland, Norway, and several other countries, additive E124 (Ponceau 4R) is listed as a banned substance due to its toxicity.
In September 2009, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted a regulation lowering the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for Ponceau 4R (E124) from 4 mg/kg to 0.7 mg/kg body weight per day. This value was reaffirmed in the EFSA’s revised assessment of E124 in 2015.
Colorant E124 is permitted for use in the European Union, provided that products are labeled in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.
In Russia, additive E124 is banned in the coloring of pharmaceutical products but is allowed as a food dye for coloring food products.
Food additive E124 is not banned for use in the food industry in Ukraine or Russia, as long as the permitted intake limits are not exceeded.