FOOD ADDITIVE

E120

Carmine

Most complete information about food additive Carmine (E120) - What is it? Is it harmful to health?

E120 (Carmine) - natural red dye of animal origin, obtained from female cochineal insects. One of the oldest and most stable natural dyes.

краситель • Natural red dye • Animal origin • Used for centuries

Approved by EFSA and FDA. ADI set at 5 mg/kg. Requires labeling as "insect-based dye" in EU.

AU: Allowed by FSANZ with mandatory labeling "carmine" or "cochineal" BR: Approved by ANVISA for use in foods and beverages CN: Allowed in limited product list, requires special permission EU: Approved by EFSA, requires labeling "E120 (carmine)" or "natural red 4" IN: Allowed by FSSAI, but requires origin indication (insect-based) JP: Approved as food colorant, but limited use in baby food RU: Allowed in food products with mandatory labeling "natural dye carmine" US: FDA allows use in foods, beverages and cosmetics IL: Restricted use in kosher and halal food products IS: Requires special labeling for vegetarian consumers

E120 (Carmine) — ancient natural red dye

Carmine (E120) is a natural red dye obtained from dried female cochineal insects. Used by humanity for over 2000 years, starting with Aztec and Maya civilizations. Provides stable red color to food, cosmetics and textiles. Safe when daily limits are observed, but raises ethical questions for vegans and vegetarians.

ORIGIN

plant

Animal origin - from insects

SAFETY

разрешена

Safe within established limits, requires labeling

FOR CHILDREN

Safe within limits

Safe for children within daily limits

PREGNANCY

Safe

Safe during pregnancy in normal amounts

Daily Intake Norm (ADI)

5.00 mg/kg

Established Daily Dose

According to JECFA/EFSA

350 mg

Maximum for 70 kg person

Safe Amount per Day

Health effects

Benefits of use:

Natural dye without synthetic components
High color stability to heat and light
Does not cause hyperactivity in children (unlike some synthetic dyes)
Approved for use in organic products in EU
Natural dye without synthetic components
High color stability to heat and light
Does not cause hyperactivity in children (unlike some synthetic dyes)
Approved for use in organic products in EU

Risks and limitations:

May cause allergic reactions in people with insect allergies
Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians (animal origin)
In rare cases may cause anaphylactic shock in hypersensitive individuals
May cause allergic reactions in people with insect allergies
Not suitable for vegans and vegetarians (animal origin)
In rare cases may cause anaphylactic shock in hypersensitive individuals

Medication interactions:

Adrenaline (Epinephrine): (dangerous) - Immediate administration required for anaphylactic reaction to carmine
Antihistamines: (moderate) - May mask symptoms of allergic reaction to carmine
Immunosuppressants: (moderate) - May increase risk of allergic reactions
Insulin and diabetes medications: (mild) - No direct interaction, but important for diabetics with allergies

Chemical Properties

Formula: C₂₂H₂₀O₁₃

Molar Mass: 492.3900 g/mol

Appearance: Dark red powder or red liquid, odorless

Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, glycerin. Insoluble in oils

CAS Number: 1390-65-4

Melting Point: Разлагается при 136°C

Quality Standards: Complies with EC Directive 95/45/EC, FDA 21 CFR 73.100

Identification in Ingredients

Look on Package For:

E120 Carmine CarmineCochinealCarminic acidNatural Red 4CI 75470

Shopping Tips:

Read ingredient labels carefully
Look for "contains carmine" or "cochineal" labeling
In EU mandatory "insect-based dye" labeling
For vegans look for alternative dyes
Check cosmetics for carmine content
Avoid if allergic to insects

Commonly Found In:

Yogurts and desserts with red berries (10-50 mg/kg)
Sausage products and meat delicacies (20-100 mg/kg)
Confectionery (candies, dragees) (50-200 mg/kg)
Beverages (juices, lemonades, alcohol) (10-50 mg/l)
Cosmetics (lipstick, blush, eyeshadow) (100-1000 mg/kg)
Dairy products (curd masses, cheese products) (5-30 mg/kg)
Sauces and ketchups (20-80 mg/kg)
Medicinal syrups and vitamins (5-20 mg/dose)

For Special Groups

Children

Safe for children within daily limits (5 mg/kg). However, parents should be aware of the dye's origin and possible allergic reactions in children with insect allergies.

Pregnancy & Lactation

During pregnancy, carmine is safe in normal food amounts. Does not cross the placental barrier. However, pregnant women following vegan diets may want to avoid products with E120.

Elderly

Safe for elderly people. Does not interact with most age-related medications. May be used in medicinal syrups for coloring.

Comparison with other colorants

Code

Name

Origin

Safety

Action

E120

Carmine

animal

permitted

Details

E124

Ponceau 4R

synthetic

restricted

Details

E162

Details

E122

Azorubine

synthetic

restricted

Details

E160b

Details

E127

Details

E132

Details

Historical Background

Carmine was used even in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Aztecs and Maya collected cochineal insects to obtain bright red dye.

After the conquest of Mexico, Spaniards brought carmine to Europe, where it became extremely valuable - comparable in price to gold.

In the 19th century, with the development of synthetic dyes, carmine popularity declined, but in the late 20th century, with growing demand for natural products, it is again in demand.

Today Peru is the largest producer of carmine, providing 95% of world production.

2000+ years

Used by humanity

70,000 insects

Needed for 500g carmine

95%

Produced in Peru

$50-300

Cost per kg depending on quality

1500 tons

World annual production

Consumption Simulator E120

Estimate your daily intake of carmine through various food products

0 mg

Current Consumption carmine

Optimal Level

Optimal

Normal

Excess

0 mg 175 mg 350 mg

Explanation: Exceeding the norm established by EFSA does not mean immediate harm, but is recommended for safe regular consumption.

Select products you consumed today:

Personal Norm Calculation

Your Weight:

Daily Intake Norm: up to 5.00 mg per kg body weight

Recommended Maximum: 350 mg for 70 kg person

*Calculations are for reference only

*Actual content depends on manufacturer

Bioavailability & Absorption

Intestinal absorption

85%

Liver metabolism

90%

Urinary excretion

70%

Fecal excretion

25%

Problem:

Carmine contains carminic acid - a complex organic compound that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people, especially those with insect allergies.

Solution:

Carmine is practically not absorbed in the intestine (85% excreted)
Metabolized by liver to safe compounds
Does not accumulate in the body
For allergy sufferers there are plant-based alternatives
Vegans are advised to use beet or annatto dyes

Tip:

If you have insect allergy or follow vegan diet, carefully study product ingredients and choose alternative dyes.

Scientific Research

EFSA - Scientific Opinion on the safety of carmine (E120)

EFSA Journal

Open Research

FDA - Safety assessment of carmine as food colorant

FDA

Open Research

Study on allergenicity of carmine

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Open Research

Historical and cultural significance of cochineal

Journal of Cultural Heritage

Open Research

Ethical aspects of animal-derived colorants use

Food Ethics Journal

Open Research

Comparison of natural and synthetic red colorants

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Open Research

Frequently Asked Questions about E120

Is E120 harmful or not?

Carmine (E120) is recognized as a safe food colorant when daily intake (5 mg/kg body weight) is observed. However, it may cause allergic reactions in people with insect allergies.

What is E120 made from?

E120 (carmine) is produced from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus species). About 140,000 insects are needed to produce 1 kg of carmine.

Can E120 be used by vegetarians and vegans?

No, carmine is of animal origin (insects), so it is not suitable for vegans and most vegetarians. There are plant-based alternatives for them.

Why is E120 banned in some countries?

E120 is not banned, but in some countries (especially with high vegetarian population) it requires mandatory labeling as "insect-based dye".

What are the alternatives to E120?

Alternatives: beet juice (E162), annatto (E160b), lycopene (E160d), beet carmine. For cosmetics - mineral pigments.

Can E120 cause allergies?

Yes, especially in people with insect allergies. Symptoms: skin rash, swelling, in rare cases anaphylactic shock.

Where is E120 produced the most?

95% of world carmine production is in Peru. Also produced in Mexico, Canary Islands, Chile and Bolivia.

Is E120 used in cosmetics?

Yes, widely used in lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows due to high stability and color intensity.

How to identify products with E120?

In ingredients look for: E120, carmine, cochineal, Natural Red 4. In EU mandatory "insect-based dye" labeling.

Is E120 allowed in organic products?

Yes, in the European Union carmine is allowed in organic products as it is considered a natural colorant.

Share this information!

Help others make informed food choices