01 / 04What it is
E120 in plain English
Carmine (carminic acid) is a red colour extracted from cochineal insects. Recognised as safe by regulators, but a known cause of allergic reactions in sensitive people, so it must be declared on labels.
Natural red from cochineal insects; can trigger allergic reactions.
02 / 04Why it's used
A colour, not a flavour.
To restore or intensify colour lost during processing — and to make a product look more appealing on the shelf than its ingredients deserve.
colourant
03 / 04Health concerns
Mild controversy, nothing pressing.
Mild controversy; generally fine at typical dietary exposure.
04 / 04Regulatory status
How the world's regulators rule
- Australia · FSANZ
- Permitted
- Banned jurisdictions
- None recorded
- Filtr risk tier
- Low risk
- Filtr score penalty
- −1 points
- Category
- Colourant
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