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Generally halal
E124 (Ponceau 4R) is a synthetic red azo dye with no animal origin, so it is generally treated as halal at the ingredient level.
Ponceau 4R is a synthetic red colouring from the azo-dye family. Despite the older name 'Cochineal Red A', it is not made from cochineal insects — it is fully manufactured, unlike carmine (E120).
Made by chemical synthesis from sulphonated aromatic compounds; the standard process uses no animal-derived raw materials.
Because Ponceau 4R is synthesised from non-animal chemical feedstocks, the colour itself contains no prohibited animal or alcohol component and is generally classified as halal at the ingredient level. Do not confuse it with carmine (E120), which is insect-derived. The finished product still needs its own verification.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
Ponceau 4RE124Colour (E124)Cochineal Red ACI Food Red 7INS number: 124
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. It is not authorised as a food colour in the United States.
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. Despite the old name 'Cochineal Red A', it is fully synthetic — unlike carmine (E120), which is insect-derived.
'Ponceau 4R', 'E124', 'Cochineal Red A' or 'CI Food Red 7'.
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.