Is E120 (Carmine) Vegan or Halal? Food Dyes Explained

E120 is one of the most misunderstood food colourings because it is often described as a natural red colour. While that description is technically correct, “natural” does not mean plant-based.

E120, commonly known as carmine, carminic acid or cochineal colouring, is derived from cochineal insects. This makes its vegan status straightforward: E120 is not vegan.

Its halal status is more complicated. Islamic scholars and halal certification authorities do not all reach the same conclusion. Some authorities classify carmine as prohibited because it comes from insects, while others permit cochineal-derived colouring under specific conditions.

Understanding the source of E120, how it is made and how different dietary standards treat it can help consumers make informed choices.

What Is E120?

E120 is a red food colouring obtained from the cochineal insect, scientifically known as Dactylopius coccus.

The insect naturally produces a red pigment called carminic acid. Manufacturers extract this pigment and process it into colour preparations used to produce shades ranging from pink and red to deep crimson.

The European Food Safety Authority specifically identifies E120 as an animal-derived food additive obtained from cochineal insects.

The Codex Alimentarius food additive database also identifies INS 120 as carmines and lists names including carmine, Natural Red 4 and cochineal carmine. Its technological function is food colouring.

Common Names for E120

E120 may appear on an ingredient label under several names.

These include:

E120

Carmine

Carmines

Cochineal

Cochineal extract

Carminic acid

Cochineal carmine

Natural Red 4

CI 75470

Carmine lake

Consumers following vegan, vegetarian, religious or allergy-related dietary restrictions should therefore look for more than just the term E120.

Where Does Carmine Come From?

Carmine comes from the cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus.

These small scale insects live primarily on cactus plants belonging to the Opuntia genus. Female cochineal insects contain particularly high concentrations of carminic acid, the compound responsible for the intense red colour.

During traditional and commercial production, insects are collected and dried. Carminic acid is then extracted and purified.

Different manufacturing methods can produce cochineal extract, purified carminic acid or carmine pigments.

Carmine itself is commonly produced by forming complexes of carminic acid with metal ions, traditionally including aluminium.

Although carmine is frequently marketed as a natural colour, its natural origin is animal rather than plant.

The U.S. FDA explicitly notes that cochineal extract and carmine are unusual among certification-exempt colour additives because they are derived from an insect.

Is E120 Vegan?

No.

E120 is not vegan because producing conventional E120 requires insects.

A vegan diet excludes ingredients obtained directly from animals, including insects and insect-derived substances.

Carmine is therefore fundamentally different from plant-based red colours such as beetroot pigments or anthocyanins.

The fact that carmine is described as natural does not change its vegan status.

“Natural colour” simply describes the origin or regulatory classification of a colour. It does not mean that the ingredient originated from a plant.

For someone following a strict vegan diet, an ingredient list containing E120, carmine, cochineal extract or carminic acid should therefore be treated as non-vegan.

Is E120 Vegetarian?

For most strict vegetarian standards, carmine is also unsuitable.

The reason is that insects are deliberately killed during the production of the colouring.

Individual definitions of vegetarianism can differ, particularly regarding insect-derived ingredients such as shellac, honey or carmine. However, a consumer following a strict vegetarian diet would normally avoid E120.

Products carrying a trusted vegetarian certification are therefore generally a more reliable choice than assuming a product is vegetarian simply because it contains no meat.

Is E120 Halal?

There is no single answer accepted by every Islamic scholar or halal certification authority.

The source of E120 is not disputed: it comes from cochineal insects.

The disagreement concerns Islamic jurisprudence and whether the insect itself, or the colouring obtained from it, is permissible for consumption.

Some halal authorities classify E120 as haram.

Others classify it as halal under certain conditions.

Therefore, saying that “E120 is always halal” or “E120 is universally haram” would both be inaccurate.

Why Do Some Halal Authorities Reject E120?

Some Islamic scholars consider the consumption of land insects impermissible, apart from specific exceptions such as locusts.

Under this interpretation, a colour obtained from an insect that is itself considered impermissible should also not be consumed.

The South African National Halaal Authority, SANHA, is an example of a halal certification organisation that takes this position.

SANHA classifies E120 or carminic acid as haraam and identifies its source as the cochineal insect.

Hanafi rulings published by several Islamic legal organisations have reached similar conclusions.

For example, one Hanafi ruling explains that because the colouring is extracted from insects that are not considered permissible to eat under that interpretation, foods containing E120 should not be consumed.

Why Do Other Muslim Authorities Permit Carmine?

Other scholars apply different principles when evaluating cochineal insects and the resulting colouring.

Indonesia provides one of the clearest examples.

The Indonesian Council of Ulama, MUI, issued Fatwa No. 33 of 2011 concerning food and beverage colouring produced from cochineal insects.

According to information published by LPPOM MUI, the fatwa states that colouring produced from cochineal can be halal as long as it is beneficial and not harmful.

Malaysia has also adopted a permissive position.

Malaysia's national fatwa committee reviewed cochineal colouring and concluded that cochineal is an insect whose blood does not flow and that the colouring produced from it may be used, subject to relevant safety and food regulations.

This is not only theoretical.

The official Malaysian halal directory currently lists several carmine and carmine-colour products as halal-certified products.

This illustrates why consumers should not rely on claims that every major halal authority automatically prohibits E120.

The actual position depends on the religious authority, certification standard and jurisdiction being followed.

So What Should a Muslim Consumer Do?

For Muslim consumers, the most practical approach is to follow the halal authority or scholarly tradition they personally rely on.

If your halal certification authority prohibits carmine, products containing E120 should be avoided.

If the product has been certified by an authority that officially accepts cochineal colouring, that authority may regard the product as halal.

A recognised halal certification mark on the exact product is generally more useful than looking at E120 in isolation because halal certification considers more than one ingredient.

Manufacturing processes, processing aids, contamination risks and other ingredients can also affect certification.

Consumers who follow a stricter position regarding insects may choose to avoid E120 even when a product carries halal certification from an authority that permits it.

Is E120 Kosher?

Carmine can also be problematic for people following kosher dietary law.

Kosher law generally prohibits most insects, and insect-derived ingredients therefore require careful evaluation.

However, kosher status should not be determined from an ingredient name alone.

The safest practical approach for someone following strict kosher requirements is to look for certification from a recognised kosher authority on the specific product rather than assuming that every food containing carmine has the same status.

Is Carmine Safe to Eat?

The dietary and religious questions surrounding E120 should be separated from its toxicological safety.

An ingredient can be considered safe by food regulators while still being unsuitable for a vegan diet or unacceptable under a particular religious standard.

EFSA completed a scientific re-evaluation of cochineal, carminic acid and carmines in 2015.

EFSA reviewed toxicological studies and found no evidence requiring it to reject the authorised use of E120.

The assessment retained a health-based guidance value equivalent to 2.5 mg of carminic acid per kilogram of body weight per day.

EFSA's refined exposure estimates were below this level for all population groups considered in its assessment.

The United States also permits carmine and cochineal extract for specified uses in foods.

The FDA lists carmine as a permanently listed colour additive that is exempt from batch certification and permitted for use in foods under applicable regulations.

Can Carmine Cause Allergic Reactions?

Yes, although reactions appear to be uncommon.

Carmine has been associated with allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Reported reactions have included hives, respiratory symptoms and, in rare cases, severe allergic responses.

EFSA specifically considered reports of allergic reactions when evaluating E120.

The authority noted that proteinaceous residues originating from the insect material can act as allergens and that it was not possible to establish a reliable threshold below which allergic reactions could never occur.

EFSA therefore recommended appropriate purification during manufacturing to minimise exposure to allergenic protein residues.

The FDA has also recognised the possibility of allergic reactions.

This is one reason U.S. regulations require carmine and cochineal extract to be identified specifically by name on food labels rather than hidden under a generic description such as “artificial colour.”

How Is Carmine Labelled in the United States?

In the United States, foods containing carmine or cochineal extract must identify the ingredient by name.

The FDA requires manufacturers to declare “carmine” or “cochineal extract” in the ingredient list when the colour is present.

It cannot simply be hidden under a generic declaration such as “colour added.”

The rule was introduced partly because consumers with allergies, as well as people who wish to avoid insect-derived ingredients, need to be able to identify the colour.

How Is Carmine Labelled in Europe?

In the European Union, food additives are identified using names or E numbers according to applicable labelling rules.

Carmine and carminic acid are associated with E120.

Consumers may therefore encounter declarations such as:

Colour: E120

Colour: carminic acid

Colour: carmines

The important point is that an E number does not tell you whether an ingredient is plant-based, synthetic or animal-derived.

E120 happens to be animal-derived.

Where Is E120 Commonly Found?

Carmine can be used wherever manufacturers need a stable red, pink or crimson colour.

Depending on the country and product formulation, it may appear in foods such as:

Fruit-flavoured yogurts

Dairy desserts

Ice cream

Confectionery

Candy

Cake decorations

Fruit preparations

Desserts

Sauces

Processed meat products

Fish products

Certain beverages

The Codex General Standard for Food Additives contains authorised uses for carmines in numerous food categories subject to specified maximum levels and national regulations.

However, the presence of a red or pink colour does not mean that a product necessarily contains E120.

Many manufacturers use alternative colourings.

E120 in Cosmetics and Medicines

Carmine is not limited to food.

Its strong red pigment makes it useful in cosmetics, especially products requiring red, pink or purple tones.

Examples can include:

Lipstick

Lip gloss

Blush

Eye shadow

Makeup pigments

Personal care products

Carmine may also be used in certain medicines or pharmaceutical coatings.

In the United States, the FDA permits carmine for specified cosmetic uses, including use around the eye, subject to applicable requirements.

For vegans, insect-derived carmine remains non-vegan whether it is used in food, cosmetics or another consumer product.

For religious consumers, rules concerning external cosmetic use can differ from rules concerning eating the ingredient. Someone seeking a religious determination should therefore distinguish between consuming carmine and using it externally.

E120 Is Not the Same as E124

A particularly important label-reading mistake involves E120 and E124.

E120 is carmine or carminic acid and originates from cochineal insects.

E124 is Ponceau 4R, also called Cochineal Red A.

Despite the word “cochineal” appearing in the alternative name, E124 is a different food colouring.

It is not carmine and should not automatically be treated as insect-derived.

Similarly, E132 is called Indigo Carmine, but it is not the same ingredient as carmine E120.

The word “carmine” appearing in the name of another colour does not necessarily mean that the colour comes from cochineal insects.

When checking specifically for insect-derived carmine, E120 is the number that matters.

Vegan Alternatives to E120

Manufacturers can produce red and pink colours without using carmine.

Common alternatives include beetroot red, anthocyanins and certain carotenoid-based colours.

E162 Beetroot Red

E162, also called betanin or beetroot red, is obtained primarily from beetroot.

It can produce red, pink and reddish-purple shades.

Because of its plant origin, it can be compatible with vegan products when the complete formulation is vegan.

E163 Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, including grapes, berries and purple vegetables.

They can produce red, purple and blue colours depending on conditions such as acidity.

Plant-derived E163 can be suitable for vegan products.

E160c Paprika Extract

Paprika extract is obtained from peppers and can create orange-red colouring.

It is plant-derived and can be another option for manufacturers replacing insect-based colourants.

E160d Lycopene

Lycopene produces red colouring and occurs naturally in foods such as tomatoes.

Commercial lycopene may come from tomatoes, other biological sources or synthetic production depending on the product.

Anyone following strict dietary standards should verify the actual source when necessary.

Does Natural Mean Vegan?

No.

This is perhaps the most important lesson from E120.

A natural additive can come from a plant, animal, insect, microorganism or mineral.

“Natural” describes origin or processing in a particular regulatory or commercial context.

It does not automatically mean:

Vegan

Vegetarian

Halal

Kosher

Organic

Allergen-free

Healthy

E120 is one of the clearest examples.

It is a natural colour, but its traditional source is an insect.

How to Avoid E120

If you want to avoid carmine, check ingredient labels for:

E120

Carmine

Carmines

Cochineal

Cochineal extract

Carminic acid

Natural Red 4

CI 75470

Carmine lake

If a product is labelled vegan by a reputable certification organisation, conventional insect-derived E120 should not be present.

For halal consumers, the situation requires more attention because legitimate halal authorities differ in their rulings.

Check the halal certification of the exact product and follow the religious authority or certification standard you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E120 made from insects?

Yes.

E120 carmine and carminic acid originate from cochineal insects. Food regulators including EFSA and the FDA identify cochineal-derived colour as insect-derived.

Is E120 vegan?

No.

Conventional E120 is obtained from insects and is therefore not vegan.

Is carmine vegetarian?

It is generally unsuitable for strict vegetarians because insects are killed to produce the colour. Individual definitions of vegetarianism can vary.

Is E120 halal?

It depends on the Islamic authority being followed.

SANHA and a number of Hanafi authorities reject it, while Indonesia's MUI permits cochineal colouring under its stated conditions. Malaysia's national fatwa authorities have also adopted a permissive position, and carmine products can appear in Malaysia's official halal certification directory.

Therefore, E120 cannot accurately be described as universally halal or universally haram.

Is carmine safe?

Food regulators permit E120 for authorised uses.

EFSA's evaluation did not identify toxicological concerns requiring withdrawal of its authorised food use at permitted exposure levels.

However, allergic reactions can occur in susceptible individuals.

Can people be allergic to carmine?

Yes.

Carmine has been associated with allergic reactions in some people. EFSA has linked this concern particularly to residual proteinaceous material in carmine preparations.

Is Red 40 the same as carmine?

No.

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a different colour additive.

Carmine is E120 and comes from cochineal insects.

Red 40 is a synthetic colour and does not obtain its red pigment from cochineal insects.

Is Cochineal Red A the same as cochineal or carmine?

No.

This is an easy mistake to make.

Cochineal Red A is another name for Ponceau 4R, which is E124.

E124 is not the same as E120 carmine.

Does “natural colour” mean there are no insects?

No.

Carmine demonstrates why the phrase “natural colour” should not be interpreted as “plant-based.”

Natural colours can originate from animals and insects as well as plants.

Final Summary

E120 is a red colouring derived from cochineal insects.

It may appear on labels as E120, carmine, cochineal extract, carminic acid or Natural Red 4.

E120 is not vegan because its production involves insects.

It is also generally unsuitable for people following a strict vegetarian diet.

Its halal status is not universal.

Some Islamic scholars and certification organisations prohibit E120 because of its insect origin. SANHA, for example, classifies E120 as haraam.

Other recognised Muslim authorities permit it. Indonesia's MUI has issued a fatwa permitting cochineal-derived food and beverage colouring under specified conditions, while Malaysia's national fatwa authorities have also accepted cochineal colouring and the country's halal database includes certified carmine products.

For this reason, Muslim consumers should follow the halal authority or scholarly interpretation they trust rather than relying on blanket claims that E120 is always halal or always haram.

From a food safety perspective, E120 is an authorised food colour in multiple jurisdictions. EFSA and other regulators have evaluated its safety, although rare allergic reactions are possible in susceptible individuals.

For vegan consumers, the answer is much simpler.

If an ingredient list contains E120, carmine, cochineal or carminic acid, conventional carmine is not vegan.

Sources

European Food Safety Authority

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FAO and WHO Codex Alimentarius General Standard for Food Additives

Joint FAO and WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

Indonesian Council of Ulama and LPPOM MUI

Malaysia National Fatwa Committee and Malaysia Halal Directory

South African National Halaal Authority