E124 · Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Safe in moderation
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E124?
Ponceau 4R (also called Cochineal Red A, despite not being derived from insects) is a synthetic azo dye used to give a red hue to foods and some pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is authorised in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand with maximum levels and requires the EU hyperactivity warning label, but it is not approved for food use in the US or Canada.
Also appears on labels as: Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A, E124, E 124, E-124, Food Red 4, CI 16255, Synthetic red dye, Ponceau 4R color, Cochineal Red A dye, Red 4, FD&C Red No. 4.
What the evidence says
- EU/UK warning: may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
- Hypersensitivity reactions possible in susceptible individuals.
Research behind the verdict
- Long-term Toxicity Study of Ponceau 4R (E124) in Rats — Ito N. et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology (1987). A long-term study fed rats Ponceau 4R at 0, 50, 500 or 1250 mg/kg/day for 60 days and raised their offspring on the same diet. High-dose animals showed reduced weight gain and increased water intake but no significant blood or urine changes; proteinuria was observed in females at 1250 mg/kg/day. Survival and tumor rates were comparable across groups, and the no-effect level was set at 500 mg/kg/day【771810619460936†L296-L317】.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E124 safe?
Our overall verdict for E124 (Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: safe in moderation; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E124 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E124 and why is it used?
Ponceau 4R (also called Cochineal Red A, despite not being derived from insects) is a synthetic azo dye used to give a red hue to foods and some pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is authorised in the EU/UK and Australia/New Zealand with maximum levels and requires the EU hyperactivity warning label, but it is not approved for food use in the US or Canada.
Does E124 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A, though some people report sensitivity (azo dye sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.