red no. 2: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Regulatory, Historical
Quick answer
What does “red no. 2” mean?
A specific synthetic azo dye, also known as amaranth, used as a food coloring (E123 in the EU).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific synthetic azo dye, also known as amaranth, used as a food coloring (E123 in the EU).
Refers historically to a controversial red food dye (FD&C Red No. 2, Amaranth) banned in the US in 1976 over safety concerns, sometimes used generically to discuss food additive regulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK/EU, 'E123' or 'amaranth' are more common technical terms. In the US, 'Red No. 2' or 'FD&C Red No. 2' carries historical/regulatory weight due to its ban.
Connotations
US usage often connotes a landmark case in food safety regulation. UK/EU usage is more matter-of-fact, referring to a permitted (though restricted) dye.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, limited to specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “red no. 2” in a Sentence
The product was colored with Red No. 2.The ban on Red No. 2 reshaped policy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red no. 2” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Red No. 2 dye was once prevalent.
- A Red No. 2 colourant study.
American English
- The Red No. 2 additive was controversial.
- A Red No. 2 coloring review.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in supply chain or compliance discussions regarding food colorants.
Academic
Appears in papers on food toxicology, regulatory history, or additive chemistry.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in food science and regulatory documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red no. 2”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “red no. 2”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red no. 2”
- Using 'red no. 2' to refer to any red food coloring.
- Confusing it with Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC), a different, commonly used dye.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is banned for food use in the United States. In the European Union, it is listed as E123 (amaranth) and is permitted only in certain specific products like fish roe and some alcoholic beverages.
Studies in the 1970s suggested it might be carcinogenic, leading to its prohibition in the US and increased regulation globally.
They are different chemical compounds. Red No. 2 (amaranth) was banned in the US. Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) is a different, widely used red dye that is currently approved.
Potentially, in non-food items like cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, depending on regional regulations, but its use is now highly restricted compared to the mid-20th century.
A specific synthetic azo dye, also known as amaranth, used as a food coloring (E123 in the EU).
Red no. 2 is usually technical, regulatory, historical in register.
Red no. 2: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred ˈnʌmbə tuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd ˈnʌmbər tuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'Red Number Two' as the 'second' major red dye to be banned or regulated, following concerns about its safety.
Conceptual Metaphor
A METONYM FOR REGULATORY SCRUTINY (e.g., 'This new additive could be the next Red No. 2').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Red No. 2' primarily known as?