INS 124 is Ponceau 4R, also called Cochineal Red A (E124). Despite that second name, it has nothing to do with the cochineal insect: it is a synthetic azo dye, made chemically, that gives a bright strawberry or cherry red. It dissolves in water and is fairly stable, so it is used in jams, jellies, sweets, desserts and drinks.
Ponceau 4R is permitted under Codex, with maximum levels set for each food group, and it is approved in the EU and in many Asian countries. In the EU, foods that contain it must carry the warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”, a rule shared with five other colours. It is not on the list of colours permitted in the United States.
On SeekSnack, INS 124 is listed on Euro Choco Pie with Marshmallow and Raspberry Jam, a chocolate-coated pie with a red raspberry jam layer.
