What are azo colours in sweets?

A red sweet does not automatically contain azo colours. Azo colours are a specific group of colourings; ‘synthetic’ is a broader term. An E-number beginning with E1 does not tell you whether a colouring belongs to the azo group.

What does the label tell you?

Food colourings appear in the ingredients list with their function and name or E-number. Sweets containing E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 or E129 also require the European warning about possible adverse effects on children’s activity or attention. E104 belongs to this warning group but is not an azo colour.

Choosing with confidence

Approved colours may be used under specified conditions. A warning does not prove that every child will react to a product. If you prefer to avoid particular colours, compare current ingredients lists rather than judging by appearance. Check the information for your favourite sweets at CandyMixMatch and contact us if you need help.

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