YenzoWhat is E125 (ponceau SX)?
It is Ponceau SX, also called scarlet GN, a synthetic red colour.
E125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)
E125 is Ponceau SX, also called scarlet GN, a synthetic red azo colour. It is rarely seen on packaged food labels today.
- Code
- E125 · INS 125
- 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 E125 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (125), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (125)colour 125E125INS 125
Questions about Ponceau SX
Is Ponceau SX harmful?
In 1980 JECFA did not allocate an ADI for Ponceau SX: its database records "NO ADI ALLOCATED". The comment gives the reason: a multigeneration reproduction/teratology study and studies in dogs requested by JECFA at its 21st meeting were not available, so no ADI could be established. The specification for this substance was withdrawn in 1984.
Is E125 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 125, and neither does Appendix 2B.
Other colours
E122Azorubine / carmoisinemoderateE123AmaranthmoderateE124Ponceau 4RmoderateE126Ponceau 6RhighE127ErythrosinemoderateE128Red 2Ghigh
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026