Carmine (Carmoisine/Azorubine) is another synthetic food dye ranging from red to maroon. It belongs to the azo dye group. Other names include azoredline, nitrogen red , azorubin Acid Red 14 or CI 14720
describe:
As mentioned before, Carmoisine is an azo dye. Other azo dyes include Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF and Tartrazine. Azo dyes are compounds in which two hydrocarbon groups are connected by two nitrogen atoms. The letter azo comes from the French word for nitrogen, azote. Azo dyes are compounds in which two hydrocarbon groups are connected by two nitrogen atoms. The letter azo comes from the French word for nitrogen, azote.
What foods/products contain E122?
Since E122 is red in color, it is likely to be present in any red drinks or candies you may consume. This is not necessarily the case, however, as there are many other ingredients used to give items their red color, including some non-vegan ones like cochineal.
Generally, if a food is red and processed but not shiny, it contains E122 and not carmine or other potential non-vegan substitutes for E122.
Azo dyes account for approximately 60% to 70% of all dyes used in the food and textile industries. The reason they are so popular is that azo dyes are cheap to produce and more stable than most natural food dyes.
Cochineal is often used when food is heat treated.
Common uses:
Although still used in Europe, it is not on the list of approved food colorings in the United States2. It is also not approved in Canada.
bakery products
Flavors Candy Cough Drops Drinks Ice Cream Jelly Crystals This list shows Australian products containing artificial colors (including carmine) up to 2008.
Health Issues/Side Effects:
Like other artificial food colorings, quinoline yellow may cause increased hyperactivity in children. It may also cause allergic symptoms in people who are allergic to aspirin. However, at least one report suggests there is no solid evidence for any of these claims.
Is E122 (Carmoisine/Azorubine) vegetarian?
Yes, since it is part of the Azo Dye family which is derived from coal tar, it is definitely vegetarian/vegetarian. That being said, it's still something you should avoid to an extent, as its health effects aren't fully known/understood, and it can cause symptoms like rashes and headaches in some people, especially children.
Electronic number:
The E number of Carmoisine is 122.
