INS 122 is azorubine, also called carmoisine. It is a synthetic red-to-maroon azo dye used to give a stable pink-red shade to mithai, rose milk, and pink-coloured drinks and sweets. On packs you may see it listed as INS 122, E122, azorubine, or carmoisine. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories with restrictions.
INS 122 is azorubine, also called carmoisine. It is a synthetic red-to-maroon azo dye used to give a stable pink-red shade to mithai, rose milk, and pink-coloured drinks and sweets. On packs you may see it listed as INS 122, E122, azorubine, or carmoisine.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because it gives a deep, stable pink to maroon shade that holds up under heat, light, and acidic conditions where natural reds fade. It is the typical colour behind Holi-special sweets, rose-flavoured milk drinks, jam fillings, and pink confectionery.
Where you'll find it
INS 122 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
rose milk and pink drinks
Holi-style mithai and sweets
fruit-flavoured jellies and gums
jam and marmalade
pink ice creams and kulfi
flavoured yoghurt
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Azorubine is a synthetic azo dye made from coal-tar or petroleum-derived intermediates. No animal product is used in its manufacture. Common confusion: 'synthetic = non-veg' is wrong; the cochineal-insect outlier is INS 120 carmine, not azorubine.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a synthetic food colour for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits, typically capped at 100 ppm in non-specified categories. FSSAI mandates the label declaration 'CONTAINS PERMITTED SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S)' on products using synthetic colours.
JECFA: ADI 0-4 mg/kg body weight, established at 25th JECFA (1981) and maintained at later evaluations. EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation confirmed the 0-4 mg/kg bw ADI.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 122 is also called:
122ins 122e122e 122azorubinecarmoisinefood red 3acid red 14ci 14720synthetic pink colour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 122 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Azorubine is a synthetic azo dye made from coal-tar or petroleum-derived intermediates. No animal product is used in its manufacture. Common confusion: 'synthetic = non-veg' is wrong; the cochineal-insect outlier is INS 120 carmine, not azorubine.
Is INS 122 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as a synthetic food colour for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits, typically capped at 100 ppm in non-specified categories. FSSAI mandates the label declaration 'CONTAINS PERMITTED SYNTHETIC FOOD COLOUR(S)' on products using synthetic colours.
What is INS 122 used for?+
Brands use it because it gives a deep, stable pink to maroon shade that holds up under heat, light, and acidic conditions where natural reds fade. It is the typical colour behind Holi-special sweets, rose-flavoured milk drinks, jam fillings, and pink confectionery.
Is INS 122 (also written as E122) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 122 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E122 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (azorubine (carmoisine)).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.