Is E122 (Azorubine / Carmoisine) Halal?
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.
What is E122?
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.
Why is it generally halal?
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.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Sweets and jellies
- Marzipan and confectionery
- Soft drinks
- Desserts and sauces
How it appears on labels
CarmoisineAzorubineE122Colour (E122)CI Food Red 3INS number: 122
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
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.
Health & regulatory information
Halal does not automatically mean healthy, and a health concern does not automatically make an ingredient haram.
Regulatory status
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is E122 (Carmoisine) halal?
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.
Is Carmoisine the same as carmine (E120)?
No. Carmoisine (E122) is synthetic; carmine (E120) is made from insects. They are easy to confuse because both are red.
What names should I look for?
'Carmoisine', 'Azorubine', 'E122' or 'CI Food Red 3'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of Azorubine/Carmoisine (E 122) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Synthetic origin and safety re-evaluation
- Annex V, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 — mandatory advisory statement for certain colours — European Union (EUR-Lex) · 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' label warning
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
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.