Amaranth E123
synthetic — Primarily azo dye.
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.
What Is Amaranth?
Amaranth (E123) is a synthetic red azo dye produced through chemical synthesis from naphthionic acid; it is not related to the amaranth plant and does not occur naturally. In countries where it remains permitted, it is used in a narrow range of applications — the EU restricts its use almost entirely to caviar and roe substitutes, while Japan approves it as Food Red No. 2 for broader use. The FDA banned it in the United States in 1976 and Health Canada does not permit it, both citing concerns raised by carcinogenicity studies; EFSA (2010) and JECFA (2010) established a very conservative ADI of 0.15 mg/kg body weight per day, the lowest among the major synthetic azo dyes, reflecting the limited safety database.
? 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.
Regulatory Analysis
The 1976 US ban on Amaranth as 'Red Dye No. 2' was one of the earliest and most politically charged food dye decisions, driven partly by public alarm and partly by contested Russian carcinogenicity studies whose methodology was later questioned by Western scientists. The EU's continued approval -- albeit restricted to niche uses like caviar -- and the very low ADI of 0.15 mg/kg reflect a regulatory compromise that acknowledges the thin safety database without accepting the original ban rationale. Amaranth's story demonstrates how early regulatory decisions, once embedded in public consciousness, become almost impossible to revisit even as the evidentiary basis evolves.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Restricted use; only permitted in specific foods like caviar and alcoholic drinks
United States (FDA)
Banned since 1976 due to potential carcinogenicity concerns
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Synthesized from naphthionic acid through diazotization and coupling reactions.
Applications Beyond Food
Limited use in some regions.
Used in textile and leather dyeing.