What is Carmoisine (Azorubin) (E 122)?
Carmoisine (Azorubin) is a synthetic food colorant used to give or restore red color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex under code E 122 and Color Index (CI) 14720.
Where is Carmoisine (Azorubin) Used?
It is used for coloring in food categories permitted by regulations. For permitted categories and maximum amounts, please refer to the table below.
Pharmaceutical / Food Industry Applications
- Lake (aluminum lake) form is used as a coating colorant in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for coating tablets, dragees, capsules, and supplement products).
- Synthetic food colors can also be used in pharmaceuticals depending on their specification. If the product specification includes USP, NF, or Ph.Eur notation, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified against these standards.
- There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; they may be used within the limits established for foods.
In Which Foods and at What Levels is Carmoisine (Azorubin) Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 122 is a Group III colorant; a combined maximum (mostly 150 mg/kg) applies in many food categories.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Foods within Group III (e.g., flavored creams) | 150 mg/kg | — |
| Flavored processed cheese | 100 mg/kg | (33) |
| Prepared red fruits | 200 mg/kg | (34) |
Note: "quantum satis" means use as much as required by good manufacturing practice without a specific numerical upper limit. In Group III colorants, the total amount must not exceed the combined maximum established for the group.
E-Number, Color, and Technical Properties
- E code: E 122 · Color Index: CI 14720 · Color: red
- CAS No: 3567-69-9 · Chemical Formula: C20H12N2Na2O7S2
- Forms: powder (water-soluble) and aluminum lake
Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period
For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; it may extend up to 5 years with some manufacturers and varies by producer. The CoA / specification document of the relevant batch shall be used for the exact re-test date.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and pharmaceutical compliance (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) information, as well as supply conditions for Carmoisine (Azorubin) (E 122).