Ponceau 4R authorised in baits for freshwater fish up to 15 mg/kg: colouring efficacy shown by colorimetry in the CIELAB space (ΔE 8.03 on average), the dye in feed is determined by LC-MS/MS
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/108, published on 19 January 2026, authorises ponceau 4R until 8 February 2036 as a colourant in baits scattered in freshwater to attract food-producing fish — at most 15 mg/kg complementary feed. The colourant may not be used in feed for aquaculture.
- Analytical methods in the annex: total colouring matters in the additive — spectrophotometry at 505 nm and titration with titanium chloride according to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, which refers to the FAO JECFA compendium (volume 4) and monograph No 11 (2011); ponceau 4R in compound feed — LC-MS/MS.
- Purity criteria: total colouring matters (as the sodium salt) at least 80 %, subsidiary colouring matters up to 1 %, organic compounds other than colouring matters up to 0.5 %, unsulfonated primary aromatic amines (as aniline) up to 0.01 %. Calcium and potassium salts are also permitted.
- Efficacy was shown in EFSA’s opinion of 6 May 2025: three batches of boilies with 15 mg/kg and without the colourant were measured spectrophotometrically 10 times each in the 300–800 nm range (D65 illuminant, 10° observer). L* fell from 65.7 to 64.2, a* rose from 4.1 to 11.3, b* fell from 48.8 to 45.0, and ΔEab was 6.97–10.64 — on EFSA’s scale a difference noticeable to the naked eye, though not always obvious.
- In its opinion of 15 October 2024 EFSA considered that use in baits raises no concern for fish, consumers or the environment; the additive is not a skin irritant but should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser, and EFSA could not conclude on eye irritation. The regulation requires skin, eye and respiratory protection where procedures do not eliminate the risks.