HealthyPIG Magazine

E122 is a colorant used in many different products, including food and non-food consumer goods. It comes almost entirely from one source and is entirely synthetic. E122 is derived from coal tar, much like other azo dyes, also known as Carmoisine and/or Azorubine.

Carminic acid is a deep red anthraquinone pigment that is naturally present in some insects, such as cochineal (Coccus cacti L.). Food coloring cochineal or cochineal extract is obtained after hydroalcoholic extraction of insect carcasses. Carmine is a more concentrated solution that contains at least 50% carmine acid. Cochineal-derived dyes are mainly used to impart a red tint in alcoholic beverages, yogurt, fruit juice, ice cream and candies, but can also be found in jams and some processed meat products. Regarding its health properties, cochineal acid may cause allergic reactions and even anaphylactic shock to sensitive people. Nevertheless, it is not a major hazard to the general population.