E122: Nutrition, Pros & Cons
E122, also known as Carmoisine or Azorubine, is a synthetic red azo food dye used to impart a red-to-maroon shade to various food products. It carries no nutritional value and is regulated in India, where it is permitted only in specific food categories within prescribed limits.
Health conditions
Pros
- Approved as a safe food coloring agent within strictly defined regulatory limits in specific food categories. [FSSAI]
Cons
- Typically found in highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, which dietary guidelines recommend limiting for optimal health. [ICMR-NIN]
- Reported to trigger hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or respiratory irritation, particularly in individuals sensitive to aspirin. [PubMed]