Ever noticed that your kids go full gremlin mode every time they come home from a birthday party? Although many parents think it’s just the sugar having that effect, it’s likely something much less innocent. We’re talking about food dye, in particular, an additive called Azorubine/Carmoisine (a.k.a. E122). The one that makes cordials and lollies shine neon red on supermarket shelves.
While we could go on about so many additives, this is one of the nastiest food dyes out there. It’s enough for us to write an entire article about it… so we have! We’re here to break it all down for you in the hopes that you will be guided towards better choices for you and your kids’ health. Here are a few things about E122 we think you should know.
🧪 What is E122?
E122 is a synthetic red food colour from the “azo dye” family. It’s used mainly to give that candy-apple red or ruby hue to syrups, sweets, desserts and drinks. When you see it, it immediately makes you think, “Ooh, sweet raspberries, how refreshing! Don’t mind if I do!” But it’s anything but raspberries… or anything natural.
In Australia, this additive is permitted under the regulatory body Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). That means, legally, manufacturers can use it (if they apply for permission) and it meets the safety thresholds they’ve set. Interestingly, E122 has been banned for use in other countries such as the US, Canada and Japan.
😵💫 Health & Behaviour Concerns
Behaviour & attention
Several recent reviews have flagged links between synthetic food dyes (including those in the same family as E122) and adverse behavioural outcomes in children: hyperactivity, reduced attention, and tantrums.
Allergies & sensitivities
E122 (and other azo dyes) can also cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals: skin rashes, hives, and asthma-like responses.
Other longer-term concerns
Beyond behaviour and allergy, when you dig into the scientific weeds, you’ll find discussions on neurotoxicity, gut-microbiome disruption, and other concerning factors. Azo dyes (like E122) don’t bring any nutritional benefit; they’re purely cosmetic, however, studies have shown health risks such as allergic reactions, negative behavioural and neurocognitive effects.
If other countries have been smart enough to remove this additive from their vocabulary altogether (for obvious reasons), why haven’t we? The FSANZ claims that the amounts used in Australia don’t pose significant health risks, but if you take into account cumulative exposure over long periods, and the negative impacts it’s having on sensitive kids from ingesting it once, forgive us if we’re not jumping at the opportunity to keep drinking and eating this stuff.
Why Aussie Brands Are Still Using It
Because they know colour sells. Bright “fun” colours = kid appeal. Long shelf life = store-friendly. Low-cost synthetic dyes + cheap sugars = higher profit margins.
Colour plays a big role in how much we want to eat or drink something. That’s why food companies lean so heavily on synthetic dyes instead of natural ones. They’re cheap, stable, and give that super-bright colour that looks great on a shelf (but not so great in your body).
🙅 How To Avoid It
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Read the label
When you pick up a bottle of cordial, check for “Colour (Carmoisine/Azorubine)” or “E122”. If it’s there and you’re buying it for the kids to sip, ask yourself whether that neon red colour is worth the risk. See our list of other additives to avoid here.
To find specific info on listed ingredients, we recommend apps like the Additive-Free Lifestyle one. It will tell you all the potential health risks associated with each additive and where you can most commonly find them.
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Make Your Own
Simmer fresh fruit + water + a small amount of organic sugar or raw honey, and make your own. Then the only colour you’re getting is from the natural colour of berries and other fruits.
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Support Brands That Keep It Simple
Choose brands that use minimal and 100% natural ingredients. One Aussie example: Roar Living cordials, whole-fruit, no added synthetic colours or preservatives. You can see a full breakdown of the difference between them and traditional cordial brands below.
🍓 Pouring It Straight
No judgment if the kids love a splash of cordial… we get it. But when it’s full of artificial dyes and mystery additives, it’s worth asking: is the colour really worth the chaos?
Real fruit and natural flavours don’t need chemicals to taste amazing. So next time, skip the fluorescent fizz and go for something that loves your body back.
References
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“Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence.” Miller M.D. et al., Environmental Health (2022). BioMed Central
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“Artificial food dyes are toxic: Neurobehavioral implications in children.” ScienceDirect (2024) review. ScienceDirect
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“Colours and food additives reported as banned (or not) in Australia/New Zealand.” Food Standards Australia New Zealand consumer information. Food Standards Australia New Zealand
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“The role of E122 (Azorubine) in nutrition: health effects, regulatory status and alternatives.” ThisNutrition.com (2023-24). This Nutrition+1
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“Food additives – consumer info.” Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Food Standards Australia New Zealand
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Miller M.D. et al., “Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence.” Environmental Health (2022).
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“Why supermarket cordial should be avoided.” AdditiveFreeKids.com.au. Additive Free Kids
- “Food and drink additives you should avoid.” CHOICE Australia. CHOICE
