Understanding Food Colorings INS 110 and 122
In the world of food additives, 'INS' stands for 'International Numbering System,' a globally recognized system to identify food additives. INS 110 and INS 122 are specific identification codes for two synthetic food colorings: Sunset Yellow FCF and Azorubine/Carmoisine, respectively. Both are part of the larger category of azo dyes, which are characterized by the presence of a specific nitrogen-containing chemical group. They are derived from petroleum and are designed to provide vibrant, consistent coloring to a vast array of processed foods and drinks, often to enhance visual appeal or to restore color lost during manufacturing.
What is INS 110? (Sunset Yellow FCF)
INS 110, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or Orange Yellow S, is a synthetic orange azo dye that is highly soluble in water. It produces a yellow-orange to reddish-orange color, similar to the hues of a sunset, which is how it gets its common name.
Common Uses:
- Beverages: Used in soft drinks, fruit juices, and flavored milk.
- Confectionery: Added to sweets, jellies, and desserts.
- Baked Goods and Cereals: Found in various breakfast cereals, snack foods, and cookies.
- Savory Foods: Included in sauces, soup mixes, and instant food products.
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: Also used to color some medicines and cosmetics.
Safety Concerns and Regulations:
- Hyperactivity: A key concern with INS 110 is its potential link to increased hyperactivity in children, particularly when consumed with the preservative sodium benzoate.
- Allergic Reactions: As an azo dye, INS 110 can trigger allergic reactions like rashes, hay fever, and exacerbated asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory Status: While approved for use in many countries, including the EU (with a warning label) and the US, its use is banned in some countries, like Norway and Finland. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is set at 4 mg per kg of body weight by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
What is INS 122? (Azorubine/Carmoisine)
INS 122, also known as Azorubine or Carmoisine, is a synthetic red azo dye that is also very soluble in water. It gives a red to brownish-red color and is often used in products that require heat treatment.
Common Uses:
- Bakery and Confectionery: Frequently used in sweets, cakes, and pastries.
- Dairy and Desserts: Found in flavored yogurts, jellies, and desserts.
- Beverages: Added to many red-colored drinks.
- Prepared Foods: Used in sauces, soup mixes, and canned fruits.
Safety Concerns and Regulations:
- Hyperactivity: Similar to INS 110, INS 122 has been linked to increased hyperactivity in some children when consumed alongside benzoates.
- Allergies and Asthma: Individuals with aspirin sensitivities may experience allergic reactions, including rashes and water retention, and it can worsen asthma conditions.
- Regulatory Status: Like INS 110, it is permitted in many regions, but with mandatory warning labels in places like the EU stating its potential impact on children's activity. The ADI for INS 122 is also 4 mg per kg of body weight.
Comparison Table: INS 110 vs. INS 122
| Feature | INS 110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) | INS 122 (Azorubine / Carmoisine) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Orange to reddish-orange | Red to brownish-red |
| Origin | Synthetic azo dye from petroleum | Synthetic azo dye from coal tar |
| Common Uses | Drinks, cereals, sweets, sauces, cosmetics, drugs | Confectionery, drinks, dairy, prepared foods, pharmaceuticals |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water | Very soluble in water |
| Regulatory Status | Allowed in many countries (often with warning) | Allowed in many countries (often with warning) |
| Potential Side Effects | Hyperactivity (esp. with benzoates), allergic reactions, asthma issues | Hyperactivity (esp. with benzoates), allergic reactions, asthma issues |
| Banned In | Some countries, including Norway and Finland | (No specific bans widely cited, but restricted) |
| ADI | 0–4 mg/kg body weight (JECFA) | 0–4 mg/kg body weight (JECFA) |
The Southampton Study and its Impact
A pivotal moment in the public and regulatory understanding of these colorings came from the 2007 "Southampton Study." This UK government-funded research found that a mixture of certain food colorings, including INS 110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) and INS 122 (Carmoisine), combined with the preservative sodium benzoate (E211), led to increased hyperactivity in some children. The findings of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study prompted regulatory bodies, including the EU, to mandate labeling requirements for these dyes on food products. These labels often include the statement, "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Health Considerations and Consumer Trends
Beyond hyperactivity and allergies, some studies have raised additional concerns about azo dyes, though research findings can be mixed or inconclusive at high doses. Concerns include potential links to DNA damage and possible effects on organ systems, though regulatory bodies often consider intake levels below the established ADI to be safe. For consumers, the ongoing public dialogue about artificial ingredients has driven a demand for 'clean label' products, which has led many food manufacturers to seek natural alternatives to synthetic colorings like INS 110 and 122. This shift reflects a broader consumer trend toward more natural and less-processed foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, INS 110 (Sunset Yellow FCF) and INS 122 (Azorubine/Carmoisine) are widely used synthetic azo food colorings that provide orange and red hues, respectively. While approved for use by major food safety authorities like JECFA and EFSA at specific levels, they have been linked to potential side effects, including hyperactivity in some children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Regulatory responses, such as mandatory warning labels in the EU, reflect a more cautious stance on their usage, particularly in products marketed to children. For many consumers, understanding these food additive codes helps them make informed dietary choices. For more in-depth information on food additives, consult the Codex Alimentarius website.
