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Additives

Ponceau SX (E125): What It Is and Is It Safe?

Hazardous Colour · Azo dye

Ponceau SX, also called Scarlet GN or FD&C Red No. 4, is a synthetic red azo dye. IARC places it in Group 3, not classifiable as to carcinogenicity, and animal studies showed no carcinogenic effect, but it was delisted from food use in the US in 1976 over other toxicity concerns and is not permitted in the EU/UK. As an azo dye it can provoke intolerance reactions in sensitive individuals.

Category
Colour — Azo dye
Typically used in
Not permitted in food; formerly maraschino cherries in the US.
Regulatory status
Delisted from food use in the US and not authorised in the EU/UK.
Also listed as
Scarlet GN
Concerns flagged
Possible allergen

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Sources

Where this comes from

  1. IARC (1975) — Ponceau SX - IARC Monographs Volume 8 https://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol08/ponceausx.html
Products

Products containing Ponceau SX

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