Is E120 (carmine) halal?

Q: Is E120 (carmine) halal?

E120, known as carmine or cochineal, is a red colouring made from insects. Many scholars consider consuming insects impermissible, so numerous halal certifiers reject or flag carmine, while some scholars permit it. It is widely treated as doubtful.

Widely treated as doubtful

Quick answerE120 (carmine / cochineal) is a red colouring made from crushed cochineal insects. Many scholars — particularly in the Hanafi school — consider consuming insects impermissible, so many certifiers treat carmine as not halal or doubtful; some other scholars permit it. Cautious consumers avoid it.

E120 goes by several names on labels: carmine, carminic acid, cochineal or "natural red 4". It's a vivid red pigment extracted from cochineal insects, used in lollies, yoghurts, juices, jams and lipsticks.

The disagreement is about eating insects. In the Hanafi school and among many contemporary certification bodies, insects (other than locusts, which have a specific textual allowance) are not permissible to eat, which makes carmine unacceptable. Some scholars in other schools permit it. Because the difference is genuine, most careful consumers and many certifiers treat E120 as one to avoid or at least verify against their own standard.

Alternatives to look for

Plant-based reds do the same job without the question: E162 (beetroot red), E163 (anthocyanins from grapes or berries) and E160 (carotenes) are all plant-derived. Many manufacturers have switched — the same product often exists in a carmine-free version.

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Halal Scanner is an independent information service, not affiliated with any halal certification organisation. Views on some ingredients differ between certification bodies and schools of thought; this article describes the ingredient and the common positions so you can decide. It is general information, not a religious ruling or certification.