E120

Carmine (Cochineal, Carminic Acid)

Natural Red Dye Made from Crushed Insects

What is E120 (Carmine)?

E120 includes several names for the same red dye derived from insects:

• Carmine – the pigment extract
• Cochineal – refers to the insect source
• Carminic acid – the chemical compound
• Natural Red 4 – alternative name

How is Carmine Made?

Source: Female Dactylopius coccus insects (scale insects) that live on prickly pear cacti in South America.

Production process:

• Harvest – Cochineal insects collected from cacti (mainly Peru, Canary Islands)
• Dry and crush – Insects dried and ground into powder
• Extract pigment – Carminic acid extracted using water/alcohol
• Purify – Processed into stable red dye

Yield: Takes ~70,000 insects to produce 1 pound of carmine dye.

Why Use Insect-Based Dye?

• 100% natural – predates synthetic dyes by centuries
• Vibrant, stable red colour – doesn't fade easily
• Heat resistant – survives cooking/baking
• pH stable – works in acidic and alkaline foods
• Consumer demand – preference for "natural" over synthetic dyes

Where is Carmine Found?

Food & Drinks:

• Strawberry yogurts and smoothies – natural pink/red colour
• Red fruit drinks (cranberry, cherry, pomegranate)
• Red sweets and confectionery (jellies, hard candies)
• Ice cream (strawberry, cherry flavours)
• Cake decorations and icing
• Processed meats (sausages, salami – red colour)
• Some alcoholic drinks (Campari originally used cochineal)

Cosmetics:

• Lipstick (very common – gives vibrant red)
• Blush and rouge
• Eye shadow
• Nail polish

Other Uses:

• Fabric dyes (historical use)
• Artist paints
• Some pharmaceutical coatings

Is Carmine Safe? What Science Says

✅ General Safety (For Most People):

• Used for centuries – ancient Aztecs and Mayans used cochineal
• EU approved with no ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) limit
• FDA approved (US) – considered safe
• No cancer risk – extensive testing found no carcinogenic effects
• No toxicity at normal consumption levels
• Natural origin – not synthetic chemical

⚠️ Allergy Concerns (Small Minority):

Allergic reactions documented since 1990s:

1. Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergy)

• Case reports: Multiple documented cases of life-threatening reactions
• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, swelling, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness
• Trigger: IgE-mediated allergic response to insect proteins
• Treatment: EpiPen/adrenaline injection required

2. Occupational Asthma

• Factory workers exposed to carmine dust develop asthma
• Inhalation allergy – breathing in powder triggers respiratory symptoms

3. Cross-Reactivity

If you're allergic to these, you may also react to carmine:

• Shellfish (similar proteins)
• Dust mites
• Other insects (e.g., chironomid midges)

❌ Not Suitable For:

1. Vegetarians and Vegans

• Made from insects – not plant-based
• Ethical concerns – requires killing thousands of insects
• Labelling issue: "Natural colour" doesn't indicate insect origin

Common confusion: Many vegetarians unknowingly consume carmine because it's labelled "natural red colour" without specifying insect source.

2. Strict Halal/Kosher Diets (Debated)

• Islamic rulings vary – some scholars permit, others forbid insect-derived products
• Kosher certification – generally not considered kosher (insect source)

Labelling Requirements

UK/EU: Must be labelled as "E120", "Carmine", or "Cochineal"

US (FDA requirement since 2009): Must clearly state "cochineal extract" or "carmine" on labels (not just "natural colour")

Why labelling matters: Allows vegetarians/vegans and allergic individuals to avoid

Carmine vs Synthetic Red Dyes

Aspect	Carmine (E120)	Allura Red (E129)
Origin	✅ Natural (insects)	❌ Synthetic (petroleum)
Hyperactivity concerns	✅ No evidence	⚠️ UK warning label required
Allergy risk	⚠️ Can cause anaphylaxis (rare)	⚠️ Aspirin sensitivity reactions
Vegetarian/vegan	❌ No (insects)	✅ Yes
Stability	✅ Heat/pH stable	✅ Very stable
Cost	💰💰 Expensive	💰 Cheap

Natural Alternatives to Carmine

If avoiding E120, look for these natural red/pink colours:

• Beetroot extract – plant-based, vegan-friendly
• Anthocyanins (from berries, red cabbage) – completely plant-based
• Paprika extract – orange-red colour from peppers
• Tomato lycopene – red pigment from tomatoes

Note: Natural alternatives often less stable and vibrant than carmine.

Regulatory Status

UK/EU: Approved (E120) with no ADI limit – considered safe

US: FDA approved – must be labelled "carmine" or "cochineal extract"

Worldwide: Approved in most countries

Halal/Kosher: Status varies – check certification

The Bottom Line

• ✅ Natural origin – used for 500+ years
• ✅ No cancer risk or toxicity – extensive safety testing
• ✅ Stable, vibrant colour – superior to many natural alternatives
• ⚠️ Allergy risk – can cause anaphylaxis (rare but serious)
• ❌ Not vegetarian/vegan – made from insects
• ⚠️ Halal/kosher concerns – check religious certification
• ⚠️ Labelling confusion – "natural colour" doesn't indicate insect source

Our recommendation: Carmine is safe for most people, but vegetarians, vegans, and those with insect/shellfish allergies should avoid. If you've never had a reaction, it's generally fine to consume. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions. If you experience itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties after eating red-coloured foods, see a doctor (possible carmine allergy).

Last updated: February 2026