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Generally halal
E122 (Azorubine / Carmoisine) is a synthetic red azo dye with no animal origin, so it is generally treated as halal at the ingredient level.
Azorubine, also called Carmoisine, is a synthetic red colouring from the azo-dye family. Despite giving a similar red to carmine, it is fully synthetic and — unlike carmine (E120) — is not made from insects.
Manufactured by chemical synthesis from sulphonated aromatic compounds; no animal-derived raw materials in the standard process.
Because it is synthesised from non-animal chemical feedstocks, E122 has no prohibited component in the colour itself and is generally classified as halal at the ingredient level. As always, the finished product needs its own verification.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
CarmoisineAzorubineE122Colour (E122)CI Food Red 3INS number: 122
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, EUR-Lex, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Halal does not automatically mean healthy, and a health concern does not automatically make an ingredient haram.
Permitted as a food colour in the EU and UK within limits; subject to the same 'Southampton colours' advisory warning label in the EU/UK. Not permitted in some other markets.
It is a synthetic red dye with no animal origin, so it is generally considered halal at the ingredient level. The finished product still needs verification.
No. Carmoisine (E122) is synthetic; carmine (E120) is made from insects. They are easy to confuse because both are red.
'Carmoisine', 'Azorubine', 'E122' or 'CI Food Red 3'.
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.