E120 · Cochineal, carminic acid, carmine
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E120?
Cochineal, carminic acid, and carmine are natural red colourants extracted from the dried bodies of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). Carminic acid is the pigment responsible for the colour, and carmine is its purified, more stable form used in confectionery, beverages, and cosmetics. These colourants are generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA, but because they are insect-derived, they are unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians, and rare but serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) have been documented.
Also appears on labels as: Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine, Natural red 4, CI 75470, E120, E 120, E-120, E120(i), E120(ii), Cochineal extract, Cochineal dye.
What the evidence says
- Rare but documented allergic reactions, including severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels for the general population.
Research behind the verdict
- Carmine (E120) Allergy and Hypersensitivity in Urticaria Patients — Postepy Dermatol Alergol, 2025-08-26 13:19:30+00 (2022). A placebo-controlled study of 110 patients with chronic inducible urticaria evaluated hypersensitivity to carmine (E120). Skin prick tests and specific IgE measurement identified 22 patients with positive skin tests; 33 underwent oral challenge and nine (8%) were diagnosed with carmine allergy【719646607681445†L170-L185】. Carmine is derived from dried insects and can contain protein impurities that elicit IgE‑mediated reactions, with reported symptoms including erythema, urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, gastrointestinal symptoms and anaphylactic shock【719646607681445†L190-L209】. These findings indicate that carmine is a potential allergen and individuals with chronic urticaria or sensitivities should avoid it.[avoid]
Frequently asked questions
Is E120 safe?
Our overall verdict for E120 (Cochineal, carminic acid, carmine) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E120 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Cochineal, carminic acid, carmine — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E120 and why is it used?
Cochineal, carminic acid, and carmine are natural red colourants extracted from the dried bodies of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). Carminic acid is the pigment responsible for the colour, and carmine is its purified, more stable form used in confectionery, beverages, and cosmetics. These colourants are generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA, but because they are insect-derived, they are unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians, and rare but serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) have been documented.
Does E120 contain allergens?
Yes — known allergens associated with Cochineal, carminic acid, carmine: carmine/cochineal (insect-derived).
Watch E120
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.