The Lab
Specimen No. 0224
CautionSyntheticfood dyesfood additive

Ponceau 4R

CAS 2611-82-7 · E124 · Cochineal Red A · Brilliant Scarlet 4R

Synthetic red azo dye. Not approved for food in the US; permitted in the EU but subject to a mandatory hyperactivity warning label following the Southampton study.

medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • Ponceau 4R was one of the artificial colours in the mixtures (given with sodium benzoate) that significantly increased hyperactive behaviour in children in the Southampton study (McCann et al. 2007); EFSA concluded this trial alone could not justify changing the ADI
  • Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 (Annex V), foods containing Ponceau 4R must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
  • EFSA kept the ADI at 0-4 mg/kg bw/day (the dye was negative for genotoxicity and carcinogenicity) but noted intakes can exceed the ADI for children at high consumption levels (EFSA 2009)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: not approved for food; EU: permitted (E 124) with mandatory warning label; ADI 0-4 mg/kg bw
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

EU confectioneryMaraschino cherries (EU)Some seafood / surimiSoft drinks (EU)Desserts

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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