What is Carmine (Cochineal) (E120)?

What does it do?

Adds colour to food or restores colour lost during processing.

Is it harmful? Risk context

It is generally regarded as safe and has been used widely for many years; many are naturally sourced or substances the body already processes. Seeing it on a label does not mean "a bad product".

Insect-derived natural red; rare food anaphylaxis cases. Sensitive for halal/vegetarian consumers.

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Safe daily intake (EFSA ADI)

5 mg/kg body weight/day

Note for sensitive groups

• Allergic individuals: IgE-mediated allergic reactions have been reported (rare but real).

Halal / source sensitivity

Sourced from insects (cochineal) → not vegetarian/vegan; halal status is debated (varies by school of thought).

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Cochineal/carmine (E120) re-evaluation (2015)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)