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E 124 Ponceau 4R, with nitric acid, acetic acid ammoniation by a chlorine ammonia, use Benzoyl chloride??acylation, and oxidation product condensation.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a water-soluble synthetic dye.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is available in red powder form and exhibits good lightfastness.
CAS Number: 61968-69-2
Molecular Formula: C26H16N2O4
Molecular Weight: 420.41624
Synonyms: Ponceau 4R, New coccine, 2611-82-7, Acid red 18, C.I. Acid Red 18, Food Red No. 102, Cochineal Red A, Victoria Scarlet 3R, SX Purple, Coccine, Zolfosol, Food Red 7, Brilliant Ponceau 3R, Brilliant Scarlet 4R, Acid Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Coccin Red, New Coccin, Purple Red, Brilliant Scarlet, Atul Scarlet F, Crimson SX, Food Red 102, Purple SX, Acid Ponceau 4R, Acid Scarlet 4R, Java Scarlet 3R, Neklacid Red 3R, Neklacid Red 4R, Scarlet 4R, Ponceau 4RE, Ponceau 4RF, Ponceau 4RT, Scarlet 4RA, Cochineal Red 4R, Kiton Scarlet 4R, Acid Scarlet 3RZ, Cilefa Ponceau 4R, Fenazo Scarlet 3R, C.I. Acid Red 28, HD Ponceau 4R, Ponceau 4RE.FQ, Colacid Ponceau 4R, Hexacol Ponceau 4R, Pontacyl Scarlet RR, Acilan Scarlet V3R, Victoria Scarlet Red, Strawberry Red, Brilliant Ponceau 4R, Brilliant Ponceau 5R, Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Naphthalene Ink Scarlet 4R, Certicol Ponceau 4RS, Cochenillerot A, Curol Bright Red 4R, Brilliant Ponceau 3RF, Brilliant Ponceau 4RC, Coccine nouvelle, HD Ponceau 4R Supra, Atul Acid Scarlet 3R, L-Rot 4 [German], Strawberry Red A Geigy, Acid Scarlet 3R, Food Red Number 102, Naphthalene Scarlet 4RS, C.I. Acid Red 18, Trisodium Salt, L-Red 4, Edicol Supra Ponceau 4R, Eurocert Cochineal Red A, Hidacid Fast Scarlet 3R, Red Dye No. 102, C.I. 16255, Cochenillerot A [German], Acidal Bright Ponceau 3R, Cerven kysela 18, Kochineal Red A for Food, Coccine nouvelle [French], Edicol Supra Ponceau 4RS, New Coccine Extra Pure A, Cerven kosenilova A, Neucoccin, Edicol Supra Ponceaux 4RS, Sugai Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Cerven kysela 18 [Czech], Rakuto Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Aizen Brilliant Scarlet 3RH, Edicol Supra Ponceaux 4 RS, Cerven kosenilova A [Czech], New Coccine Red No. 102, San-ei Brilliant Scarlet 3R, 1578 Red, Bucacid Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Naphthalene Scarlet 4R, Rouge de cochenille A, Schultz Nr. 213, Takaoka Brilliant Scarlet 3R, C.I. Food Red 7, Cerven potravinarska 7, Daishiki Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Schultz Nr. 213 [German], CCRIS 2652, Calcocid Brilliant Scarlet 3RN, Cochineal Red A Specially Pure, Hispacid Brilliant Scarlet 3RF, Cerven potravinarska 7 [Czech], Rouge de cochenille A [French], HSDB 5537, L-Rot 4, C.I. Acid Red 18 (VAN), CI 16255, Kayaku Food Colour Red No. 102, New Coccine Extra Conc. A Export, Symulon Acid Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Red 102, NSC 4301, E 124, EINECS 220-036-2, Z525CBK9PG, Brilliant Ponceau 4RC Specially Pure, Victoria Scharlach 4 R Extra, Victoria Scharlach 4 R Extra [German], Brilliant Scarlet 3R (Biological stain), 51811-48-4, C.I. 185, Kayaku Acid Brilliant Scarlet 3R, Ponceau 4R aluminum lake, Food red No.102, 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-, trisodium salt, CI-FOOD RED 7, PONCEAU 4R [MI], Acid Red 18;New Coccine, VIBRACOLOR RED ARE18, PONCEAU 4R [MART.], PONCEAU 4R [USP-RS], 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid,7-hydroxy-8-[(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo]-, trisodium salt, AKA102, INS NO.124, COVACAP ROUGE W 3102, DTXSID9021213, PONCEAU 4R (E124), INS-124, EC 220-036-2, NSC-4301, Trisodium 1-(1-naphthylazo)-2-hydroxynaphthalene-4',6,8-trisulphonate, 1-(4-Sulpho-1-naphthylazo)-2-naphthol-6,8-disulphonic acid, trisodium salt, ACID RED 18, TRISODIUM SALT, C.I. ACID RED 18 [HSDB], MFCD00004084, 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-[(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo]-, trisodium salt, 7-Hydroxy-8-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-1,3-naphthalenedisulfonic acid trisodium salt, CI-16255, CI-(1975)NO.16255, E-124, E-124-, 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-(2-(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)diazenyl)-, sodium salt (1:3), Neucoccin [German], PONCEAU 4R (MART.), PONCEAU 4R (USP-RS), cochineal red, Food Red No. 102 (>80%), GW 306684A, 7-HYDROXY-8-((4-SULFO-1-NAPHTHYL)AZO)-1,3-NAPHTHALENEDISULFONIC ACID, TRISODIUM SALT, Scarlet-3R, Sodium 7-hydroxy-8-((4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl)naphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, Trisodium 7-hydroxy-8-(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenylnaphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, TRISODIUM (8Z)-7-OXO-8-((4-SULFONATONAPHTHALEN-1-YL)HYDRAZINYLIDENE)NAPHTHALENE-1,3-DISULFONATE, Acid Red-18, 1082572-30-2, UNII-Z525CBK9PG, Ponceau 4RC (E124), C.I. food red 16255, trisodium 7-hydroxy-8-[(Z)-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]-1,3-naphthalenedisulfonate, Scarlet 3R, Ponceau 4RC, 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-[2-(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)diazenyl]-, sodium salt (1:3), Ponceau 4 R, trisodium (8E)-7-oxo-8-[(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)hydrazinylidene]naphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, LRed 4, LRot 4, CI ACID RED 18, Sanei Brilliant Scarlet 3R, ACILAN SCARLET V 3R, AKA102 [INCI], ACID RED 18 [INCI], Ponceau 4R, analytical standard, MSK2416, New Coccine, Dye content 75 %, Ponceau 4RC (E124) 100 microg/mL in Acetonitrile:Water, IVNZBWNBYXERPK-DZGBHZPSSA-K, CI 16255 [INCI], DTXCID501507484, Ponceau 4R (C.I. 16255), AKOS000282867, AKOS015903123, AKOS024319577, 1,3-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7-hydroxy-8-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl azo) trisodium salt), 7-Hydroxy-8-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-1,3-naphthalenedisulfon-ic acid, trisodium salt, trisodium 7-hydroxy-8-[(Z)-(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl]naphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, trisodium;7-hydroxy-8-[(4-sulfonatonaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl]naphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, DA-56994, PD063574, DB-222291, C.I. Acid Red 18, trisodium salt (8CI), F0140, N0309, NS00078251, C20344, D91673, Q384709, 1(4Sulpho1naphthylazo)2naphthol6,8disulphonic acid, trisodium salt, 1,3Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 7hydroxy8((4sulfo1naphthalenyl)azo), trisodium salt, 7-Hydroxy-8-((4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)azo)-1,3-naphthalenedisulfon-ic acid, trisodium salt, 7Hydroxy8((4sulfo1naphthalenyl)azo)1,3naphthalenedisulfonic acid, trisodium salt,(4E)-4-[[4-[(E)-(5-oxo-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-4-ylidene)methyl]phenyl]methylidene]-2-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-5-one;Disperse Brilliant Yellow FFL (SE-8G) (C.I. Disperse Yellow 124);C.I.Disperse Yellow 124:C.I.561500
E 124 Ponceau 4R is used in bar soap, bath & shower, eye, face, makeup, lip, liquid, hair-, skin- and sun care products.
Used for polyester and their blended fabric dyeing and printing.
The original dyes can also be used to plastic shading, with fluorescent color.
E 124 Ponceau 4R, is a synthetic red azo dye that is frequently used as a food coloring agent.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is assigned the E-number E124 under the European Union food additive system, indicating that it has been evaluated for safety and approved for use within certain limits in food products.
This dye belongs to the class of acid dyes, and its chemical structure includes azo bonds (–N=N–), which are responsible for its bright red to scarlet coloration.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is highly water-soluble and is typically used in foods to enhance visual appeal by imparting a red hue to products such as candies, desserts, soft drinks, jams, smoked fish, and bakery items.
While E 124 Ponceau 4R is permitted in many countries, including those in the European Union, it is banned or restricted in others such as the United States, where it is not approved by the FDA due to concerns about potential allergenic reactions and hyperactivity in children.
Some individuals may experience intolerance symptoms, particularly those who are sensitive to salicylates or aspirin.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a synthetic colourant that may be used as a food colouring.
It is denoted by E Number E124.
Its chemical name is 1-(4-sulfo-1-napthylazo)-2-napthol-6,8-disulfonic acid, trisodium salt.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is the generic name for a family of azo dyes.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a strawberry red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products, and is usually synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons; it is stable to light, heat, and acid but fades in the presence of ascorbic acid.
It is used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has not been approved for human consumption by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
There is no evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, or reproductive and developmental toxicity at the permitted dietary exposures; the European acceptable daily intake (ADI) is 0.7 mg/kg and the WHO/FAO ADI is 4 mg/kg.
The production process may result in unsulfonated aromatic amines present in concentrations of up to 100 mg/kg which may be linked to cancer.
The lake pigment form of the colour additive can also increase the intake of aluminium beyond the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg/week.
Therefore, the limit for aluminium may be adjusted to accommodate for this.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a monoaze dye that occurs as reddish powder or granules.
It is principally the trisodium salt of 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1- naphthylazo)-6,8-naphthalenedisulfonate and subsidiary coloring matters, together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncolored components.
It may be converted to the corresponding aluminum lake.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a water soluble dye in compliance with EU, Japanese and Chinese cosmetic regulations.
This red powder is composed of trisodium salt of monoazoïc dye.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is recommended in make-up, skin care, sun care and toiletries products.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a synthetic colourant that may be used as a food colouring.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is denoted by E Number E124.
E 124 Ponceau 4Rs chemical name is 1-(4-sulfo-1-napthylazo)-2-napthol-6,8-disulfonic acid, trisodium salt.
Ponceau (17th century French for "poppy-coloured") is the generic name for a family of azo dyes.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a strawberry red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products, and is usually synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons; it is stable to light, heat, and acid but fades in the presence of ascorbic acid.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is used in Europe, Asia, and Australia, but has not been approved for human consumption by the United States Food and Drug Administration
E 124 Ponceau 4R is an important textile dye that is used to dye wool a bright red directly, nylon from an acetic acid or formic acid bath and silk from an acetic acid or sulfuric acid bath.
Wool, silk and nylon are printed directly.
Other industrial uses are as a dye for inks, for dyeing paper and leather, coloring plastics and staining wood and, formerly, as a colorant for drugs and cosmetics.
E 124 Ponceau 4R; It is a synthetic powder food coloring.
E 124 Ponceau 4R gives red color.
Usually food coloring (Allura Red (Flag Red) E129, Brilliant Blue (Bright Blue) E133, Carmoisine (Cherry Red) E122, Chocolate Brown (Brown) E155, Dark Brown (Dark Brown) E155, Pea Green (Green) E142, Sunset It is used as Yellow (Orange) E110, Tartrazine (Yellow) E102, Titanium Dioxide (White) E171).
E 124 Ponceau 4Rs physical structure is powder.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is soluble in water.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a synthetic red azo dye and is used as a food colorant.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is used in range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food stus, preserved fruits etc.
It exists as trisodium2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthylazo)-6,8-naphthalenedisulfonate.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a monoaze dye that occurs as reddish powder or granules.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is principally the trisodium salt of 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1- naphthylazo)-6,8-naphthalenedisulfonate and subsidiary coloring matters, together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate as the principal uncolored components.
E 124 Ponceau 4R may be converted to the corresponding aluminum lake.
Typical applications include beverages, confectionery, bakery, dairy fats and oils, meat, seafood, snacks, dry mixes and seasonings, fruit preparation, convenient food, and pharmaceuticals.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a synthetic food coloring.
E 124 Ponceau 4R gives the red color to the products it is used in.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is water soluble.
Among the food dyes, E 124 Ponceau 4R is known by the code E124.
1 pack of E 124 Ponceau 4R Red food coloring contains 9 g of colorant.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is used in the coloring process of desserts, canned strawberries, fruit pie llings, jelly, salami, cheesecake, soup and seafood.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a red azo dye usually synthesized from coal tar which can be used in a variety of food products.
Since E 124 Ponceau 4R is an azo dye, it may elicit intolerance in people allergic to salicylates (aspirin).
Additionally, E 124 (PONCEAU 4R) is a histamine liberator, and may intensify symptoms of asthma.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is considered carcinogenic in some countries, including the USA, Norway, and Finland, and E 124 Ponceau 4R is currently listed as a banned substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Since 2000, the FDA has seized Chinese-produced haw akes (a fruit candy) on numerous occasions for containing E 124 Ponceau 4R.
Chemically, it is known as trisodium 7-hydroxy-8-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthylazo)naphthalene-1,3-disulfonate, and its Color Index number is C.I. 16255.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is often used not only in food, but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and occasionally in histological staining due to its vivid coloring properties.
Because Ponceau 4R is a synthetic additive, its use is subject to strict regulations, and in Europe, products containing this dye must carry a warning label stating that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Boiling point: 580.6±50.0 °C(Predicted)
Density: 1.229±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted)
pka: 14.38±0.20(Predicted)
E 124 Ponceau 4R is possible that certain food colouring may act as a trigger in those who are genetically predisposed, but the evidence is weak.
E 124 Ponceau 4R consists essentially of trisodium 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthylazo) naphthalene-6,8-disulfonate and subsidiary colouring matters together with sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate as the principal uncoloured components.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is manufactured by coupling diazotized naphthionic acid to G acid (2-naphthol-6,8- disulphonic acid) and converting the coupling product to the trisodium salt.; Ponceau 4R is described as the sodium salt.
The calcium and the potassium salt are also permitted.
Since the 1970s and the well-publicized advocacy of Benjamin Feingold, there has been public concern that food colourings may cause ADHD-like behavior in children.
These concerns have led the FDA and other food safety authorities to regularly review the scientific literature, and led the UK FSA to commission a study by researchers at Southampton University of the effect of a mixture of six food dyes (Tartrazine, Allura Red AC, E 124 Ponceau 4R, Quinoline Yellow WS, Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine, dubbed the "Southampton 6") and sodium benzoate (a preservative) on children in the general population, who consumed them in beverages; the study published in 2007.
The study found "a possible link between the consumption of these artificial colours and a sodium benzoate preservative and increased hyperactivity" in the children; the advisory committee to the FSA that evaluated the study also determined that because of study limitations, the results could not be extrapolated to the general population, and further testing was recommended.
E 124 Ponceau 4R has been the subject of health-related debates.
Some scientific studies and health authorities have expressed concerns that consumption of artificial azo dyes, including E124, may lead to allergic reactions, especially in individuals with existing sensitivities or asthma.
Additionally, it has been linked in some studies to hyperactivity in children, particularly when consumed in combination with other food additives and preservatives.
Due to these concerns, the use of Ponceau 4R is restricted or banned in certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Norway, while it remains approved under EU regulation, though with mandatory labeling requirements.
Products that contain this dye in the European Union must include a statement indicating that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
In non-food applications, E 124 Ponceau 4R is also used in pharmaceutical tablets, syrups, mouthwashes, and certain cosmetics.
Furthermore, it plays a minor role in scientific settings where it may be used as a biological stain in microscopy, highlighting specific cellular components due to its binding properties.
From a regulatory and safety perspective, the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for E 124 Ponceau 4R has been established by organizations like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), usually set at 0–4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, to ensure consumer safety under typical consumption levels.
The European regulatory community, with a stronger emphasis on the precautionary principle, required labelling and temporarily reduced the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the food colourings; the UK FSA called for voluntary withdrawal of the colourings by food manufacturers.
However, in 2009 the EFSA re-evaluated the data at hand and determined that "the available scientific evidence does not substantiate a link between the colour additives and behavioural effects".
There is no evidence to support broad claims that food colouring causes food intolerance and ADHD-like behaviour in children.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is possible that certain food colouring may act as a trigger in those who are genetically predisposed, but the evidence is weak.
E 124 Ponceau 4R was used in the determination of contents of several additives in dierent non-alcoholic beverages using HPLC.
E 124 Ponceau 4R was used in understanding the genotoxicity of colorants.
E 124 Ponceau 4R was also used in preparing a falsied drink in the analysis of methanol-ethanol mixture using biosensors amperometric system.
Refer to the product′s Certicate of Analysis for more information on a suitable instrument technique.
Contact Technical Service for further support.
E 124 Ponceau 4R, also labeled as E124, is a petroleum-derived synthetic red dye that belongs to the azo dye family, which is widely recognized for its strong and vibrant coloring properties.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is commonly used in the food and beverage industry, as well as in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to give products an intense red or pink hue, enhancing their visual appeal and marketability.
This colorant is often found in processed foods such as jams, jellies, gelatins, soft drinks, ice cream, dessert powders, canned fruits, sauces, and flavored yogurts, where natural color might fade during production or storage.
E 124 Ponceau 4Rs stability under heat and light makes it especially valuable in products that undergo cooking or prolonged shelf life.
The chemical structure of E 124 Ponceau 4R includes multiple sulfonic acid groups, which contribute to its high water solubility, allowing it to blend easily into a wide range of liquid and semi-liquid products.
As an azo compound, it contains one or more azo (–N=N–) bonds, which are primarily responsible for its distinctive coloration.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a synthetic colourant that may be used as a food colouring.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a strawberry red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products, and is usually synthesized fromaromatic hydrocarbons; E 124 (PONCEAU 4R) is stable to light, heat, and acid but fades in the presence of ascorbic acid.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a dye & It gives coloration through Solution.
For coloration E 124 Ponceau 4R, rst pre-soluble in any suitable medium (like water, milk or any convenient medium which is compatible to nal product).
This solution is then used for the coloration of nal product.
E 124 Ponceau 4R can be used in cosmetic products.
E 124 Ponceau 4R food color is processed under the strict vigilance of our adept professionals using quality approved chemicals compounds as well progressive technology in adherence to set industry standards.
Besides, E 124 Ponceau 4R food color is widely demanded in food processing industry.
E 124 Ponceau 4R food color is available in dierent packaging options at a reasonable price.
Features: Eectiveness Safe to use Soluble in water.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is a lighter red colour that is used in food production or in stage makeup and special eects.
E 124 Ponceau 4R interaction with protein, Nisin and BSA was concentration dependent and may be used for protein assay.
As the dye binds with almost all the proteins and current methodology may be used for the estimation of proteins in various food systems.
During the course of present work staining with ponceau 4R of resolved proteins on PAGE (poly acryl amide gel electrophorosis) was comparable with Coommassie Brilliant Blue R250.
E 124 Ponceau 4R was highly sensitive, rapid and produced sharp red bands on the gel on 0.2% concentration.
The eects of pH, concentration of proteins and dye were also investigated in various conditions which would help food processors to use a calculated amount of dye.
The impact of tryptic digestibility on E 124 Ponceau 4R -Protein Complexes (PPC) has illustrated that dye may safely be used without any adverse eect on the digestion of PPC.
Uses:
E 124 Ponceau 4R is extensively used in the food and beverage industry to impart a vibrant red or pink color to a wide range of products, especially where natural colors may degrade due to heat, light, or time.
It is commonly added to jellies, jams, ice cream, desserts, canned fruits, cake decorations, flavored yogurts, soft drinks, snack foods, and sauces, primarily to enhance visual appeal and make products more attractive to consumers.
In the pharmaceutical field, E 124 Ponceau 4R is frequently used as a coloring agent in tablets, capsules, syrups, lozenges, and topical creams, allowing for easy identification of different formulations and enhancing the overall appearance of medicinal products.
It also helps distinguish between dosages or medication types, especially for pediatric or geriatric use where color-coded forms can reduce confusion.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is sometimes included in cosmetic formulations, such as lipsticks, blushes, and hair dyes, where its strong red hue provides a rich and long-lasting tint.
However, its use in cosmetics is subject to strict regulatory controls in some regions to prevent skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
In biological research, E 124 Ponceau 4R can be used as a temporary protein stain in laboratory techniques, such as Western blotting, where it helps researchers visualize protein bands on membranes before further analysis.
Although it's not as common as Ponceau S in this context, it is still valuable for quick, reversible staining of proteins.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is also used in veterinary medicine and pet foods, particularly in treats, chewables, or supplements, where color is added to enhance appeal or differentiate flavors.
The visual distinction helps pet owners identify product types easily and increases perceived quality.
In certain countries, E 124 Ponceau 4R is traditionally used in ethnic or festival foods, such as colored rice, sweets, and beverages, where bold colors are part of culinary customs.
These uses are particularly popular during religious or seasonal celebrations where color signifies festivity and abundance.
E 124 Ponceau 4R is heavily employed in the production of candies, chewing gums, fondants, icings, and bakery toppings, where it gives a bright, stable red or pink shade that remains vivid even after exposure to baking temperatures or long storage times.
E 124 Ponceau 4Rs ability to retain color intensity helps manufacturers maintain the visual quality of sweets and pastries over the shelf life of the product.
In the beverage sector, E 124 Ponceau 4R is used to add appealing hues to a variety of drinks such as carbonated soft drinks, flavored waters, cordials, fruit juices, energy drinks, and powdered beverage mixes, where it compensates for the natural color loss that occurs during processing, storage, and exposure to light.
The addition of E 124 Ponceau 4R ensures that the drinks look fresh and appetizing, boosting consumer preference.
Dairy companies use Ponceau 4R to color flavored milk, milkshakes, and processed cheeses, as it blends well with dairy matrices and provides consistent color without altering taste.
In particular, strawberry or cherry-flavored yogurts and ice creams often owe their pinkish-red tones to E 124 Ponceau 4R, offering a strong visual cue about the flavor.
Certain processed meat products like sausages, salamis, canned meats, and surimi (imitation crab meat) sometimes include Ponceau 4R to enhance or restore their reddish appearance, which might fade due to heat treatments or long-term storage.
A fresh, reddish tone is crucial in these products because it is associated with quality and freshness in the eyes of consumers.
In creative culinary fields, such as cake decorating, artisan candies, and luxury desserts, E124 is preferred for painting designs, coloring fondants, and creating artistic effects where a vibrant, reliable red shade is desired.
Its ability to be mixed into gels, sprays, and pastes makes it a versatile tool for chefs and bakers.
In mass food production and industrial kitchens, E 124 Ponceau 4R is utilized because of its cost-effectiveness, ease of application, high stability, and strong dyeing power, making it an efficient choice for achieving consistent, large-scale color results across batches of products.
Although it is widely used, the use of Ponceau 4R must be properly declared on food labels in many countries, especially in the European Union, where it must be accompanied by a warning stating that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children," encouraging transparency and informed choices by consumers.
Beyond foods, it can also be found in non-edible decorative items, such as festive craft materials, cake toppers, and ornamental food models that require vibrant coloring without necessarily being intended for consumption, taking advantage of its affordability and brightness.
Safety Profile:
One of the primary concerns associated with E 124 Ponceau 4R is its potential to cause hyperactivity, irritability, and concentration difficulties in children.
This has led to warnings on food products containing the colorant, particularly in the European Union, where it must be accompanied by a statement that it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
Studies have suggested a potential connection between synthetic food colorings like E 124 Ponceau 4R and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, although the evidence is still debated.
These concerns are most relevant for children consuming products containing this colorant in large quantities.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to E 124 Ponceau 4R, including skin rashes, hives, itching, or swelling.
These reactions are more common in individuals who have sensitivity to azo dyes or sulfonated compounds.
Asthma sufferers may also be at a higher risk, as certain food dyes, including Ponceau 4R, have been associated with asthma exacerbations in susceptible individuals.
There have been concerns about the carcinogenic potential of artificial food colorings, including E 124 Ponceau 4R, due to studies in laboratory animals that show an increased risk of cancer with high levels of exposure.
However, regulatory agencies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed the available data and concluded that Ponceau 4R is safe when used within prescribed limits.
Despite this, some animal studies have raised questions about the long-term safety of continuous exposure to artificial colorants, especially at higher concentrations than would be typical in food products.
Sensitization refers to the process by which a person becomes increasingly sensitive to a substance after repeated exposure.
In the case of Ponceau 4R, sensitization reactions may include skin irritation, rashes, or even more severe allergic responses upon exposure to the dye over time.
Some studies have indicated that artificial food colorants, including E 124 Ponceau 4R, could potentially affect the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, stomach cramps, or nausea in sensitive individuals.
These effects are rare and typically occur when a person consumes large quantities of products containing the dye.
