E123

E123 is the food additive code for Amaranth, a synthetic azo dye used to provide red to purple-red coloration in foods and beverages in markets where E123 is permitted.
E123 is valued for strong color intensity and good stability in many processing conditions, but E123 has significant regulatory restrictions and is not permitted for use as a food colorant in some regions, so E123 use must be verified for the target market and product category.
E123 should be handled and labeled according to applicable regulations and specifications, and E123 can be associated with sensitivity reactions in some individuals, so manufacturers typically manage dosage and labeling carefully.

CAS Number: 915-67-3
EC Number: 213-668-0
Molecular Formula: C20H11N2Na3O10S3
Molecular Weight: 604.47 g/mol

Synonyms: E123, Amaranth, Amaranth Dye, Acid Red 27, CI 16185, Food Red E123, Azo Red Amaranth, Trisodium 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthylazo)naphthalene-3,6-disulfonate, Amaranth Colorant, Red Color E123, Synthetic Food Dye Amaranth, Amaranth Azo Dye, E123, E 123, E-123, INS 123, INS-123, E123 (Food Additive), E123 (Food Colour), E123 (Food Color), E123 (Red Colour), E123 (Red Color), Amaranth, AMARANTH, Amaranth Dye, Amaranth Red, Amaranth Red Dye, Amaranth Colour, Amaranth Color, Amaranth Colourant, Amaranth Colorant, Amaranth (E123), Amaranth (E 123), Amaranth (INS 123), Acid Red 27, Acid Red No. 27, Acid Red 27 (Amaranth), C.I. Acid Red 27, CI Acid Red 27, C.I. 16185, CI 16185, Colour Index 16185, Color Index 16185, Food Red 9 (common index name), FD&C Red No. 2 (US historical name), FD&C Red 2, Red No. 2, Red 2 (Amaranth), Amaranth Lake (use context), Amaranth Aluminium Lake (use context), Amaranth Aluminum Lake (use context), E123 Lake (use context), Trisodium 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfonato-1-naphthylazo)naphthalene-3,6-disulfonate (chemical name), Trisodium 2-hydroxy-1-(4-sulfo-1-naphthylazo)naphthalene-3,6-disulfonate, Trisodium salt of Amaranth (descriptive)

APPLICATIONS

E123 is used in confectionery to provide red to purple-red shades in candies and jellies where permitted.
E123 is incorporated into sugar coatings to create bright red color on dragees and decorative sprinkles where allowed.
E123 is used in gelatin desserts to deliver strong red coloration and consistent shade control where permitted.

E123 is used in beverage systems in markets where E123 is permitted to provide red coloration in syrups and concentrates.
E123 is incorporated into flavored drink concentrates to maintain stable color under storage conditions.
E123 is used in powdered drink mixes to produce red solutions after reconstitution where allowed.

E123 is used in bakery decorations and icings to provide red shades in frostings and topping gels where permitted.
E123 is incorporated into dessert mixes to standardize color and reduce batch-to-batch variation.
E123 is used in glazes and fillings where stable red color is needed and regulations allow its use.

E123 is used in processed foods in limited categories in markets where E123 is approved and use levels are controlled.
E123 is incorporated into specialty products where strong red shade is needed and permitted by local standards.
E123 is used in multi-color blends to tune red and purple-red shades in regulated applications.

E123 is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products as a colorant for tablets, capsules, and syrups where allowed by local regulations.
E123 is incorporated into coated tablets for identification and branding in regulated dosage forms.
E123 is used in lozenges and chewables to provide stable red color in approved markets.

E123 is used in laboratory and analytical settings as a dye standard in compatible applications.
E123 is incorporated into teaching demonstrations of azo dye behavior and solution color properties.
E123 is valued because E123 provides strong red coloration, but E123 selection depends heavily on regulatory acceptance in the target market.

E123 is used as a red food colorant in confectionery products where permitted.
E123 provides deep red to reddish-purple shades in hard candies and boiled sweets where permitted.
E123 helps standardize color intensity and batch-to-batch appearance in candy manufacturing.

E123 is used in gummy candies and jelly sweets to deliver stable red coloration where permitted.
E123 helps maintain uniform color distribution in gel-based confectionery systems.
E123 supports visually consistent products across storage and transport conditions.

E123 is used in sugar coatings and panned confectionery to create red shells where permitted.
E123 helps produce uniform coating color on dragees and candy-coated products.
E123 supports consistent shade in polished shells during shelf life.

E123 is used in bakery icings and decorative gels where permitted.
E123 helps create vivid red piping gels and writing gels for cake decoration.
E123 supports stable appearance in frosting and glaze systems when properly formulated.

E123 is used in dessert toppings and syrup-style sauces where permitted.
E123 helps color strawberry- and cherry-style dessert sauces to a consistent red tone.
E123 supports visual identity in packaged dessert products.

E123 is used in flavored beverage concentrates and drink bases where permitted.
E123 helps provide red coloration in syrup concentrates that are diluted before consumption.
E123 supports consistent color in low-viscosity beverage systems.

E123 is used in powdered drink mixes where permitted.
E123 helps provide red color in reconstituted beverages with fruit flavor profiles.
E123 supports uniform dispersion when blended with suitable carriers.

E123 is used in dairy desserts and dairy-like products where permitted.
E123 helps color puddings, custards, and flavored yogurt-style products in red shades.
E123 supports consistent visual appearance in spoonable dessert matrices.

E123 is used in ice cream inclusions and frozen dessert swirls where permitted.
E123 helps create red variegates, ripples, and sauce inclusions in frozen products.
E123 supports stable color appearance during frozen storage when properly protected.

E123 is used in fruit preparations and pie fillings where permitted.
E123 helps enhance red appearance of fruit-style fillings when natural color is variable.
E123 supports consistent shade after thermal processing in some formulations.

E123 is used in chewing gum coatings and gum centers where permitted.
E123 helps create bright red or pink gum appearance for flavor-coded products.
E123 supports stable color over long shelf life in packaged gum.

E123 is used in pharmaceutical products as a colorant where permitted.
E123 helps color tablet coatings for product identification and branding in approved uses.
E123 supports visual differentiation between strengths and product variants.

E123 is used in lozenges and chewable dosage forms where permitted.
E123 helps provide consumer-recognizable red coloration for cherry-style flavors.
E123 supports uniform appearance in molded or compressed lozenge systems.

E123 is used in cosmetic products as a color additive in markets where allowed.
E123 helps provide red tones in certain rinse-off cosmetics and decorative products where permitted.
E123 supports consistent shade matching in cosmetic manufacturing.

E123 is used in personal care products such as soaps and bath products where permitted.
E123 helps create red or pink coloration in liquid soaps, bath gels, and bath additives where allowed.
E123 supports consistent product appearance across production batches.

E123 is used in laboratory work as a dye standard for colorimetric and spectroscopy demonstrations.
E123 helps calibrate visible-range absorbance measurements in teaching labs.

DESCRIPTION

E123 is a synthetic azo dye commonly supplied as a dark red powder that dissolves in water to produce red to purple-red solutions.
E123 is typically supplied as a trisodium salt, and this ionic form supports good water solubility for many food and pharmaceutical systems.
E123 can be stable under typical processing conditions, but E123 performance depends on pH, light exposure, and interactions with other formulation components.

E123 is subject to strict regulatory controls, and E123 is not approved for food use in some regions, so legal status must be confirmed before use.
E123 may be associated with sensitivity reactions in a subset of consumers, so labeling and responsible use are important where E123 is permitted.
E123 is often replaced by alternative reds in markets with restrictions, and color matching may require blend adjustments.

E123 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
E123 powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E123 should be used according to applicable regulations, permitted use levels, and purity specifications for the target market.

E123 is the additive designation commonly associated with Amaranth as a synthetic red azo dye in some regulatory systems.
E123 is typically supplied as a red to dark red powder or granulated material depending on grade.
E123 provides strong tinting power, producing noticeable color at low use levels.

E123 is generally water-soluble in its dye form, which supports use in aqueous food and beverage systems.
E123 can also be supplied as a lake pigment form for applications needing an insoluble colorant.
E123 selection between dye and lake depends on the formulation’s water–oil balance and processing needs.

E123 color shade can shift depending on concentration, background formulation color, and lighting conditions.
E123 performance can be influenced by pH, ionic strength, and the presence of other colorants.
E123 stability depends on exposure to light, heat, and oxidizing conditions in the finished product.

E123 should be stored in tightly closed containers to protect against moisture and contamination.
E123 handling should minimize dust generation and avoid unnecessary inhalation exposure.
E123 quality control commonly includes dye content, identity testing, and impurity limits relevant to grade.

E123 is valued when a stable, intense red hue is required in compliant applications.
E123 is commonly validated through stability testing, shade matching, and batch-to-batch consistency checks.
E123 should be used only within approved categories and limits to meet safety and compliance requirements.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C20H11N2Na3O10S3
Molecular Weight: 604.47 g/mol
Common Name: E123 (Amaranth)
Chemical Type: Synthetic azo dye (water-soluble colorant)
Appearance: Dark red powder or granules
Odor: Practically odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol (grade dependent)
Color Shade: Red to purple-red in solution
Stability: Generally good heat stability; light stability depends on formulation and packaging (system dependent)
pH Sensitivity: Shade and stability can vary with pH and matrix composition
Regulatory Status: Restricted or not permitted in some regions; verify market-specific approval
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 36–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
E123 may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture.
Protect from contamination to maintain product purity and consistent color strength.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.

Handling Precautions:
Verify that E123 is permitted for the intended food category and market before commercial use.
Dose E123 precisely and use QC checks to maintain consistent shade in finished products.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.