YenzoWhat is E124 (ponceau 4R)?
It is Ponceau 4R, also called cochineal red A, a synthetic red azo colour.
E124Ponceau 4R
E124 is Ponceau 4R, also called cochineal red A, a synthetic red azo colour. Despite the name, it is not made from cochineal insects.
Did you know? Because EFSA noted in 2009 that intake of E 124 could exceed the ADI, the EU withdrew 24 maximum levels and lowered 29 others by a factor of 1.2 to 200 depending on the food category, from 1 June 2013.
- Code
- E124 · INS 124
- 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: 0.7 mg/kg bw/day
about 0.0 g a daythat is 46 mg
How E124 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (124), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (124)colour 124E124INS 124ponceau 4rOn Vietnamese labels: Ponceau 4R (Cochineal red A)
Ponceau 4R in food
Non-alcoholic drinksHard and soft candyChewing gumEdible ices and fruit ice creamBaked goodsPotato and cereal snacksDipping sauces and saucesSoup and broth cubes
Questions about Ponceau 4R
Is Ponceau 4R harmful?
In 2009 EFSA lowered the ADI to 0.7 mg/kg body weight per day, from the earlier 4 mg/kg of JECFA and the SCF, based on a long-term study in mice.
Is E124 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Ponceau 4R (Cochineal red A) (INS 124) 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 ponceau 4R?
In the EU, foods containing E124 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 E124 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
E121Citrus red 2highE122Azorubine / carmoisinemoderateE123AmaranthmoderateE125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)highE126Ponceau 6RhighE127Erythrosinemoderate
See all colours →Found in these products
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Sources (4)
- Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Ponceau 4R (E 124) as a food additive
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 124
- EFSA Journal (2015). Refined exposure assessment for Ponceau 4R (E 124)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, Annex V (food colours requiring additional labelling information)