What is Ponceau 4R Lake (E 124)?
Ponceau 4R Lake is a synthetic food colorant used to give or restore red color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex with code E 124 and Color Index (CI) 16255.
Where is Ponceau 4R Lake 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 water-insoluble and is used as a coating color in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for tablet, dragee, capsule, and supplement product coatings).
- Synthetic food colors can also be used in pharmaceuticals according to their specifications. If the product specification includes USP, NF, or Ph.Eur designations, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified against these standards.
- There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; it can be used within the limits established for foods.
In Which Foods and at What Levels is Ponceau 4R Lake Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 124 is a colorant associated with Group III; the total amount must not exceed the Group III maximum (footnote 61). The lake form is water-insoluble.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Flavored creams | 5 mg/kg | (61) |
| Mostarda di frutta | 20 mg/kg | (61) |
| Fruit and vegetable sweets | 10 mg/kg | (61) |
Note: "quantum satis" means use 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 Specifications
- E code: E 124 · Color Index: CI 16255 · Color: red
- CAS No: 2611-82-7 · Chemical Formula: C20H11N2Na3O10S3
- Forms: aluminum lake (water-insoluble)
Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period
For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; for some manufacturers, it may extend up to 5 years and varies by manufacturer. The CoA / specification document of the relevant batch shall be used as the basis for the exact re-test date.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
For SDS, TDS, CoA, and pharmacopeia (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) compliance information for Ponceau 4R Lake (E 124), as well as supply conditions, you can contact Asuka Kimya.