E-number  · E122

E122 — Carmoisine (Azorubine)

Synthetic red azo dye. Vegan — not to be confused with E120 carmine which IS animal.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E122 (carmoisine, also called azorubine) is a synthetic red azo dye. Despite the similar number, it has nothing to do with E120 carmine — E120 is from insects, E122 is synthetic.

Why it matters

Used in jelly, blancmange, marzipan, jams, brown sauce, and some pharmaceuticals. Carries the EU children's-attention warning label.

What to do

Always vegan. (E120 carmine is the one to avoid.)

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database