LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇪🇺 Carmoisine on Food Labels in EU

Carmoisine is permitted but requires specific warning statements in European Union: declare as "carmoisine (E122)" with the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

Check My Label for EU CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Carmoisine (Azorubine, E122) is a red azo dye used in the EU in jams, jelly sweets, and drinks. In European Union, Carmoisine is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food coloring. One of the six Southampton study azo dyes. Mandatory children activity warning required on any product containing E122. Declared as "colour (E122)" with warning text.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "carmoisine (E122)" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
  • 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
  • Missing the mandatory warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
  • 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 (E122)" + warning: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
"carmoisine (E122)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... carmoisine (E122) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Azorubine, CI Food Red 3) without the approved declaration name
Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration
"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 mandatory warning statements under EU rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
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 EU?

Declare as "carmoisine (E122)" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children". One of the six Southampton study azo dyes. Mandatory children activity warning required on any product containing E122. Declared as "colour (E122)" with warning text.

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 Europe 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.

Ensure EU Compliance

Get your label checked against all EU regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
EU Compliance Hub

Explore all EU labeling requirements in one place.

View EU Hub

Ready to Ensure Full EU Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FIC Regulation 1169/2011 requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide