E120 – Carmine: Natural Red Food Dye
E120, known as carmine or carminic acid, is a natural red food dye derived from cochineal insects. It is widely used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines and is approved in the EU and many other regions.
Things worth knowing about "E120"
E120, known as carmine or carminic acid, is a natural red food dye derived from cochineal insects. It is widely used in foods, cosmetics, and medicines and is approved in the EU and many other regions.
What is E120?
E120, commonly referred to as carmine, carminic acid, or cochineal red, is a natural red to purplish-red colorant derived from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). These insects live on prickly pear cacti in Central and South America as well as on the Canary Islands. Carmine is one of the oldest known dyes, with a history spanning several centuries in textile dyeing, food coloring, and cosmetics.
Origin and Production
Cochineal insects are harvested from cactus plantations, dried, and ground. The resulting powder contains carminic acid, the primary pigment responsible for the red color. Through further chemical processing, the water-soluble aluminum or calcium-aluminum salt known as carmine is produced. Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 insects are required to yield around 1 kg of colorant.
Uses in Food and Other Products
E120 is used in a wide variety of products to achieve red, pink, or orange shades. Common applications include:
- Yogurts and dairy products (e.g., strawberry or raspberry flavored)
- Confectionery and gummy candies
- Soft drinks and fruit juices
- Processed meat and sausage products
- Sauces and salad dressings
- Cosmetics (e.g., lipstick, blush, eye shadow)
- Pharmaceutical products (as an excipient in tablet coatings)
Regulatory Approval and Labeling
In the European Union, E120 is approved as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008, subject to specific maximum permitted levels depending on the food category. Products containing E120 must declare it on the ingredient list as E120, carmine, or carminic acid. In the United States, the FDA requires products containing cochineal extract or carmine to specifically list these ingredients by name on the label.
Health Aspects and Allergies
E120 is generally considered safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) when used within approved limits. However, certain health concerns have been identified:
- E120 can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, ranging from skin rashes and hives to severe anaphylactic shock.
- People with known insect allergies may be at higher risk of an adverse reaction.
- Occupational exposure has been associated with a condition known as carmine asthma, particularly among workers in food manufacturing.
E120 is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians as it is derived from an animal source. Its status under halal and kosher dietary laws is also debated and may vary by certifying authority.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
The EFSA has not assigned a specific numerical ADI for E120, as available toxicological data did not raise concerns at normal dietary intake levels. Nonetheless, authorities recommend continued monitoring of exposure, especially in children who may consume higher amounts through confectionery and flavored dairy products.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of cochineal, carminic acid, carmines (E 120) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2015.
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Color Additives -- FDA's Regulatory Process and Historical Perspectives. FDA, 2023.
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