Ponceau 4R
What it does
Red colour.
How it's made
Synthetic azo dye.
Ponceau 4R is a synthetic strawberry-red azo colour used in desserts, sweets, drinks and some tinned fruit, giving a bright, appealing red. It is water-soluble and reasonably stable, which is why it has long been used where a vivid red is wanted.
It is produced by azo-dye synthesis from petroleum-based aromatics. A sulphonated aromatic amine is converted to a diazonium salt and coupled to a naphthol sulphonic acid, forming the azo linkage responsible for the colour and building in the sulphonic-acid groups that dissolve in water.
The finished dye is purified and standardised, then supplied as a red powder. As an azo colour permitted in the EU and UK, foods containing Ponceau 4R must display the warning about a possible adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
Possible reactions
Possible hyperactivity and intolerance in sensitive people.