Carmoisine

Carmoisine (CAS 3567-69-9), also known as E122, Food Red 3, and C.I. Acid Red 14, is a synthetic azo dye producing a deep red to maroon shade across food and industrial applications.

It functions as a colorant in both consumable products and industrial substrates, offering strong tinctorial strength and reliable batch-to-batch color consistency for various manufacturing processes.

In food and beverage manufacturing, E122 is used to color confectionery, soft drinks, dessert mixes, and jams to achieve consistent red and burgundy tones within strict regulatory limits.

Textile processors apply it to wool, silk, and nylon dyeing under acid conditions, where it delivers strong fiber uptake and good wash fastness for high-quality fabric production.

In leather finishing, it contributes to surface coloration of hides where a vivid red tone is specified. Printing ink formulators also incorporate it into water-based inks for packaging applications.

These applications require food-contact-compliant colorants to ensure safety. Carmoisine is supplied as a fine powder or granule, typically as the disodium salt form for easy solubility.

It is available in food-grade specification meeting E122 purity requirements under EU and Codex Alimentarius standards, as well as technical grade for textile and industrial use.

Buyers should confirm dye content percentage, which commonly ranges from 85% upward depending on grade. This ensures the material meets the necessary performance criteria for the intended use.