Tag: E122

While largely banned for food use in the U.S. and some other regions, the synthetic red dye known as Red 33 (or Carmoisine) is still permitted and used in food production in many other countries. Understanding what foods contain Red 33 is crucial for those who are sensitive to artificial colorings or adhere to specific dietary restrictions.

Multiple animal studies have shown that high doses of the synthetic red food dye carmoisine can cause organ damage and increase cancer risk. Also known as E122, carmoisine's safety has long been debated, with regulations varying dramatically across the globe.

Carmoisine, a synthetic red azo dye also known as Azorubine (E122), was officially delisted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1963, making it a non-permitted food color additive in the United States. This regulatory action prevents its use in any food, drug, or cosmetic products intended for the US market.

The E122 food additive, also known as Azorubine or Carmoisine, is a synthetic red colorant chemically derived from coal tar, not from natural sources. This manufacturing process makes it a member of the azo dye family, which is widely used to color foods and other products.

As of early 2025, several synthetic food dyes, including E122, are facing heightened scrutiny or outright bans across the globe. This has led many consumers to question the status of specific additives, such as the red dye E122, in the American food supply. The critical takeaway is that E122 is indeed banned for use in food products within the United States.

Food coloring code 122 is a synthetic red azo dye known as Azorubine or Carmoisine, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of up to 4 mg/kg body weight set by the World Health Organization. This widespread additive is prized for its coloring stability in processed foods, but its safety has prompted varying regulations and consumer warnings across different countries.

According to the World Health Organization, the food additive E122, a synthetic red colorant, has an acceptable daily intake of 0–4 mg/kg. This complex substance represents one of the most prominent meanings of what is color 122, a term that, without context, can also refer to a specific shade of gray in digital design or a unique hue in a paint manufacturer's catalog.

The synthetic red dye E122, also known as Carmoisine, is banned in several countries due to health concerns, yet is still permitted in many parts of the world, sparking debate. So, **is E122 safe to take**, or are the risks of this controversial colorant too significant to ignore?