Ponceau 4R
Also known as: Cochineal Red A
Colorants
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Ponceau 4R is a synthetic red azo dye valued for its high stability and resistance to fading, used to impart a bright red hue and often blended with other colorants to create additional shades.
Commonly found in
- —Candies and soft drinks
- —Jams and processed meats
- —Baked goods and snack foods
Key functions
- —Provides a bright, fade-resistant red color
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Can cause allergic reactions, particularly in those already allergic to aspirin
- 02Linked to hyperactivity in children; EU warning label required
- 03Animal studies have raised carcinogenicity concerns; banned in the US and Norway, still permitted in the EU and Australia