colour INS 123

Amaranth E123

synthetic — Primarily azo dye.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Banned

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Banned

Scientific Name

trisodium (4E)-3-oxo-4-[(4-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)hydrazinylidene]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate

CAS: 915-67-3

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Amaranth is also used in cosmetics, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Regulatory opinions differ: Amaranth is approved in EU, JAPAN but banned in USA, CANADA. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Restricted use; only permitted in specific foods like caviar and alcoholic drinks

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

banned

Banned since 1976 due to potential carcinogenicity concerns

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–0.15 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.15 mg/kg bw/day

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized from naphthionic acid through diazotization and coupling reactions.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Limited use in some regions.

Industrial

Used in textile and leather dyeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amaranth (E123)?

Amaranth (E123) is a colour used in food products. It is synthetic and azo dye. A synthetic red azo dye not found in nature.

Is Amaranth banned in any country?

Amaranth is banned in USA, Canada. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

What is the ADI for Amaranth?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Amaranth is 0–0.15 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Amaranth?

Amaranth is used in various food categories including Caviar and caviar substitutes. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Amaranth the same as Red No. 2?

Yes, Amaranth is also known as Red No. 2, CI 16185, Acid Red 27. These are different names for the same substance.