Citrus Red 2
Also known as: C.I. Solvent Red 80, C.I. 12156
Colorants
Safety rating
Avoid
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Citrus Red 2 (E121) is a synthetic orange-red dye historically used to color the peel of oranges for aesthetic purposes, applied to fruit intended for decorative rather than nutritional purposes.
Commonly found in
- —Formerly: orange peels (decorative use, non-organic only)
Key functions
- —Formerly enhanced the visual color of citrus peel
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01May have carcinogenic properties when consumed in large amounts, per animal studies
- 02In the US, permitted only on peels of non-organic oranges not intended for general consumption; banned in Europe and many other regions
- 03Rare allergic reactions to synthetic dyes