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E123 Amaranth – Food Colouring Explained

E123 (Amaranth) is a synthetic red food colouring that is only permitted in a very limited range of products within the EU. It belongs to the group of azo dyes.

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Things worth knowing about "E123"

E123 (Amaranth) is a synthetic red food colouring that is only permitted in a very limited range of products within the EU. It belongs to the group of azo dyes.

What is E123 (Amaranth)?

E123, commonly referred to as Amaranth or Amaranth Red, is a synthetic red azo dye used as a food colouring additive. Despite its name, it has no botanical connection to the amaranth plant. Within the European Union, E123 is one of the most strictly regulated food colours, permitted only in a very narrow range of products.

Origin and Chemical Properties

E123 is a synthetic azo dye, characterised by the presence of an azo group (-N=N-) in its chemical structure. It is water-soluble and produces a deep red to purplish-red colour. Like other azo dyes, it is entirely manufactured through chemical synthesis and contains sulphonate groups that contribute to its solubility.

Regulatory Status and Uses

In the European Union, E123 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, but only for a very restricted list of applications:

Certain spirits (e.g., aperitifs based on wine)
Fish roe (caviar substitutes)
Certain alcoholic beverages

In many other countries, including the United States, E123 is completely banned. Although still technically permitted in the EU, its use has become rare as manufacturers increasingly prefer less controversial alternatives.

Health Assessment

E123 is one of the six Southampton colours that were linked to increased hyperactivity in children in a landmark British study (McCann et al., 2007). Following this research, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a re-evaluation of these dyes. As a result, products in the EU containing these colours must carry the warning label: May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

In addition, azo dyes such as E123 may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with aspirin intolerance or asthma. The ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) established by EFSA for E123 is 0.5 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Labelling Requirements

In the EU, food products containing E123 must declare it on the ingredient list both by its E number and by its name Amaranth. Furthermore, the mandatory warning regarding potential effects on the activity and attention of children must be included on the packaging.

Alternatives

Common natural alternatives to E123 include Beetroot Red / Betanin (E162) derived from red beets and Carmine (E120) derived from cochineal insects. Various other plant-based extracts are also used as substitutes in the food industry.

References

European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
McCann D. et al. - Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 2007; 370(9598): 1560-1567.
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Amaranth (E 123) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2010; 8(7): 1649.

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