E 124 Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A

What is E 124?

E 124 is the E number of Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A. Synthetic red azo dye. It does not come from cochineal insects but is made chemically. It is used, for example, in sweets and some meat products.

What is E 124 used for?

E 124 belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

• Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Which foods may contain E 124?

According to the European Commission's database, E 124 may be used in 26 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 124 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 124 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 124 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 124" or "Colour: Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A".

• Mandatory warning: with few exceptions, foods containing this colour must also carry the sentence "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." (Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008).