What Is E120 (Carmine/Cochineal)?
E120 is a natural red food colouring extracted from the dried and crushed bodies of the female cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a small scale insect that lives on prickly pear cacti, primarily in Peru, Mexico, and the Canary Islands.
The insects produce carminic acid as a natural defence against predators. When processed, this acid creates a vivid red-pink pigment that has been used as a dye for centuries — long before synthetic alternatives existed. It takes approximately 70,000 dried insects to produce just one pound (450g) of carmine dye.
Why Is E120 Haram?
The classification of E120 as haram is based on the Islamic ruling regarding insects. The majority of Islamic scholars across all four major schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali) classify insects as haram for consumption, with very limited exceptions (such as locusts, which are explicitly permitted in some hadith).
Since cochineal insects do not fall under any permitted exception, and carmine is made directly from their crushed bodies, the additive is considered haram by virtually all halal certification bodies worldwide, including JAKIM, IFANCA, and the Halal Food Authority.
Other Names for E120 on Food Labels
E120 may not always be labelled clearly. Watch for these alternative names:
- Carmine
- Cochineal / Cochineal extract
- Natural Red 4
- CI 75470 (Colour Index number)
- Crimson Lake
- Carminic acid
This is particularly important because many manufacturers prefer "natural" labelling and may list it as "natural colour" or "natural red colour" without specifying the insect origin.
Products That Commonly Contain E120
| Product Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Strawberry/red-coloured yoghurts, some ice creams |
| Drinks | Some fruit juices, Campari, certain cocktail mixers |
| Sweets | Red and pink coloured sweets and candies |
| Meat products | Some sausages and processed meats (for red colour) |
| Baked goods | Red velvet cake, pink frosting/icing |
| Cosmetics | Red lipstick, blush (not for consumption but worth noting) |
Halal Alternatives to E120
Manufacturers concerned with halal compliance use these alternatives for red colouring:
- E120 synthetic alternatives: E122 (Carmoisine), E124 (Ponceau 4R), E129 (Allura Red AC) — all synthetic and halal
- Beetroot extract — natural plant-based red colour, fully halal
- Anthocyanins (E163) — from grape skins, berries — fully halal
- Lycopene (E160d) — from tomatoes — fully halal red-orange colour
How to Avoid E120
- Check ingredient lists for "carmine," "cochineal," "natural red 4," or "CI 75470"
- Be cautious of "natural colouring" claims without further detail
- Look for halal certification on red/pink coloured products specifically
- Choose products using synthetic red dyes (E122, E124, E129) if avoiding animal-derived colours entirely
- Check vegan-certified products — vegan certification guarantees no carmine, since it's animal-derived
Key Takeaways on E120
- E120 (Carmine/Cochineal) is haram — derived from crushed insects
- Watch for alternative names: carmine, cochineal, natural red 4, CI 75470
- Commonly found in red/pink yoghurts, juices, sweets, and some meats
- Vegan-certified products are guaranteed carmine-free
- Synthetic alternatives like E122, E124, E129 are halal substitutes
Research based on published guidance from JAKIM, IFANCA, HFA, and EU food labelling regulations. For personal religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar.
Frequently Asked Questions — E120
Related Halal Guides
- Halal E-Number Checker — Search All Additives
- Is E471 Halal?
- Is E441 Gelatine Halal?
- Complete List of Haram E-Numbers
- Free Zakat Calculator
External References
- JAKIM Malaysia
- UK Food Standards Agency
- EU Regulation No 1333/2008 on Food Additives