INS 124 is Ponceau 4R, sometimes called cochineal red A (despite the name, it is not from cochineal insects). It is a synthetic deep red azo dye used widely in Indian mithai, ladoo coating, jalebi syrup, and red ice cream syrups for a vivid, stable red shade. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories with restrictions.
INS 124 is Ponceau 4R, sometimes called cochineal red A (despite the name, it is not from cochineal insects). It is a synthetic deep red azo dye used widely in Indian mithai, ladoo coating, jalebi syrup, and red ice cream syrups for a vivid, stable red shade.
Why brands add it
Brands use it because Ponceau 4R holds a bright, true red across heat, light, and the acidic syrups used in jalebi and rose-flavoured products. It is one of the most common reds on Indian sweets shelves.
Where you'll find it
INS 124 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
ladoo and jalebi syrup
red mithai coatings and barfi
ice cream and kulfi syrups
red candy and lozenges
fruit-flavoured drinks and squashes
tomato-style sauces (where permitted)
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Despite the alternate name 'cochineal red A', Ponceau 4R is a fully synthetic azo dye made from coal-tar or petroleum-derived intermediates, NOT from cochineal insects. INS 120 carmine is the genuine cochineal-derived red. No animal product is used in Ponceau 4R manufacture.
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)'.
JECFA: ADI 0-4 mg/kg body weight, established at 54th JECFA (2000). EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation lowered the ADI to 0-0.7 mg/kg bw based on a re-analysis of the long-term toxicity database. JECFA and FSSAI have retained the 0-4 mg/kg bw figure as of last review. The two regulators currently disagree on the ADI; intake at typical use levels remains below both limits for most consumers.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 124 is also called:
124ins 124e124e 124ponceau 4rponceaucochineal red anew coccinebrilliant scarlet 4rci 16255
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 124 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Despite the alternate name 'cochineal red A', Ponceau 4R is a fully synthetic azo dye made from coal-tar or petroleum-derived intermediates, NOT from cochineal insects. INS 120 carmine is the genuine cochineal-derived red. No animal product is used in Ponceau 4R manufacture.
Is INS 124 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)'.
What is INS 124 used for?+
Brands use it because Ponceau 4R holds a bright, true red across heat, light, and the acidic syrups used in jalebi and rose-flavoured products. It is one of the most common reds on Indian sweets shelves.
Is INS 124 (also written as E124) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 124 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E124 (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 (ponceau 4r).
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.
Got a full packet to check?
This page covers INS 124 one additive at a time. To check a full packet's ingredient list against the same FSSAI / JECFA / EFSA-cited dataset, use the Indian Food Ingredient Checker - paste the whole list and get a per-item verdict plus a composite tone (clear / watch / flag / incomplete).