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Commonly non-halal — check for a certified version
E120 (Carmine / Cochineal) is a red colour extracted from the dried bodies of cochineal insects, so most scholars treat it as not halal.
Carmine is a natural crimson-red colour made from carminic acid, which is extracted from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). Because its origin is an insect, it is widely classified as doubtful-to-avoid or impermissible by most halal authorities.
Cochineal insects are harvested and dried, and carminic acid is extracted and processed into carmine (an aluminium/calcium lake) or liquid cochineal extract.
The prohibition here is about origin: carmine is derived from insects, and most scholars consider insect-derived food colour impermissible to consume. This is why we classify it as 'avoid'. Plant-based red colours such as beetroot red (E162), anthocyanins (E163) or lycopene are halal alternatives that manufacturers can use instead.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
CarmineCochinealCarminic acidE120Natural Red 4CI 75470INS number: 120
In Singapore, verify the product on the MUIS HalalSG register. A product containing carmine would not be expected to hold halal certification unless a specifically-approved colourant is used; contact the manufacturer if the red colour source is unclear.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Carmine (E120) is made from insects, and most scholars consider it impermissible, so it is best avoided.
It is made from insects (cochineal), not from plants. That insect origin is the reason it is widely treated as not halal.
Plant-based red colours such as beetroot red (E162), anthocyanins (E163) or lycopene.
'Carmine', 'Cochineal', 'Carminic acid', 'E120', 'Natural Red 4' or 'CI 75470'.
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.