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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Carmoisine on Food Labels in Canada

Carmoisine is permitted with proper declaration in Canada: declare as "carmoisine" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Carmoisine (Azorubine, E122) is a red azo dye used in the EU in jams, jelly sweets, and drinks. In Canada, Carmoisine is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food coloring. Health Canada permits carmoisine as a food color. Must be declared by name. No children activity warning required.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "carmoisine" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E122
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "carmoisine"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Carmoisine
  • Omitting the E-number E122 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Carmoisine content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: carmoisine"
"carmoisine" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... carmoisine ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Azorubine, CI Food Red 3) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Carmoisine" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Carmoisine and all its common names (E122, Azorubine, CI Food Red 3, Food Red 3) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is carmoisine (E122)?

Carmoisine (Azorubine, E122) is a red azo dye used in the EU in jams, jelly sweets, and drinks. It commonly appears in: Red sweets and jellies, Marzipan, Jam, Jelly, Some desserts.

Is carmoisine bad for you?

Like Quinoline Yellow, carmoisine is not permitted in food in the United States, so US-bound products must be reformulated. EFSA set an ADI of 4 mg/kg body weight per day (2009); in the EU and UK it carries the mandatory Southampton child activity warning.

How must Carmoisine be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "carmoisine" in the ingredient list. Health Canada permits carmoisine as a food color. Must be declared by name. No children activity warning required.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Carmoisine?

Carmoisine may appear under the following names: E122, Azorubine, CI Food Red 3, Food Red 3. Common hidden sources include: Red sweets and jellies, Marzipan, Jam, Jelly, Some desserts, Turkish delight.

Is carmoisine banned in Canada or other markets?

Banned in: US. Requires mandatory warnings in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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