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Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Carmoisine on Food Labels in US

Carmoisine (E122) is BANNED — not permitted in food products for food use in United States — products containing it cannot be sold in this market.

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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 United States, Carmoisine is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. Carmoisine (azorubine) is NOT approved by the FDA for use in food in the United States. Food products containing carmoisine cannot be sold in the US market. Any product containing E122 must be reformulated for US distribution.

What You Must Include
  • Do NOT include Carmoisine in any food product sold in US
  • Review all formulations and reformulate to remove this ingredient
  • Check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for presence
  • Obtain documentary evidence from suppliers confirming absence
  • Update labels to remove the ingredient declaration if reformulated
Common Violations
  • Selling products containing Carmoisine in US — this is a regulatory violation
  • Not checking compound/sub-ingredients for banned ingredient presence
  • Not informing regulators when a banned ingredient is found post-launch
  • Using old pre-ban formulations or artwork on products still in distribution
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Product reformulated to remove Carmoisine with updated artwork
Ingredient list with no reference to Carmoisine or its synonyms
Certificate from supplier confirming absence of Carmoisine

Non-Compliant Examples

Ingredient list containing "Carmoisine" or any synonym
Products sold in US that were formulated before the ban without reformulation
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 US 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 US?

Carmoisine is banned for food use in US — it cannot be present in food products sold here. If found, the product must be withdrawn.

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 US 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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