YenzoWhat is E121 (citrus red 2)?
It is citrus red 2, a synthetic orange-red colour.
E121Citrus red 2
E121 is Citrus Red 2, a synthetic red-orange azo colour. In the United States it is used only to colour the skins of fresh oranges.
- Code
- E121 · INS 121
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✕ Not permitted in VietnamNot on Vietnam's list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019); it may be used only in a product whose declaration is registered with the Vietnam Food Administration
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Based on JECFA's evaluation
How E121 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (121), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (121)colour 121E121INS 121
Questions about citrus red 2
Is Citrus Red No. 2 harmful?
In 1969 JECFA (the joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives) recorded the conclusion "NOT TO BE USED" for Citrus Red No. 2. In its comments JECFA noted that the data available were inadequate to determine a safe limit. The specification for this substance was withdrawn in 1990.
Is E121 permitted in Vietnam?
It was not found. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT (consolidated text 09/VBHN-BYT), the list of additives permitted in food, has no row with INS 121, and neither does Appendix 2B.
Other colours
E120Cochineal, carminic acid, carmineslowE122Azorubine / carmoisinemoderateE123AmaranthmoderateE124Ponceau 4RmoderateE125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)highE126Ponceau 6Rhigh
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026