YenzoWhat is E122 (azorubine)?
It is azorubine, also called carmoisine, a synthetic red azo colour. It is added to food to give a red to purplish-red colour.
E122Azorubine / carmoisine
E122 is azorubine, also called carmoisine, a synthetic red azo colour. In food it gives a red to purple-red colour to drinks, sweets and cakes.
- Code
- E122 · INS 122
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalemoderate?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2009
In the EU, a food with this colour must carry the label warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” (Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, Annex V); EFSA keeps its ADI.
How much a day stays within the ADI?EFSA 2009: 4 mg/kg bw/day
about 0.3 g a daythat is 260 mg
How E122 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (122), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (122)colour 122E122INS 122carmoisineazorubineOn Vietnamese labels: Azorubin (Carmoisin)
Azorubine / carmoisine in food
Edible ices and fruit ice creamSoup and broth cubesFlavoured milk drinks and fermented milkDairy desserts
Questions about azorubine / carmoisine
Is azorubine / carmoisine harmful?
In 2009 EFSA concluded that the data gave no reason to revise the ADI of 4 mg/kg body weight per day. EFSA also noted that in children aged 1–10 the high percentile of intake (95th) can be slightly above the ADI.
Is E122 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Azorubine (Carmoisine) (INS 122) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, with the function colour.
Can children and pregnant women have azorubine?
In the EU, foods containing E122 must show the name or E number of the colour on the label with a separate warning about children (quoted below), with some exceptions such as drinks with more than 1.2% alcohol by volume. In the EU, additives may not be used in foods for infants and young children unless Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 provides for it; Annex II has no entry for E122 in that food category. The Regulation has no separate provision for pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
“may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex V (food colours requiring additional labelling information)
Other colours
E120Cochineal, carminic acid, carmineslowE121Citrus red 2highE123AmaranthmoderateE124Ponceau 4RmoderateE125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)highE126Ponceau 6Rhigh
See all colours →Updated 24 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Azorubine/Carmoisine (E 122) as a food additive
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A và 2B: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 122
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex V (food colours requiring additional labelling information)