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Carmine (E120) – Natural Dye from Cochineal

Carmine (E120) is a natural red dye derived from dried cochineal insects, widely used as a colorant in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

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Things worth knowing about "Carmine"

Carmine (E120) is a natural red dye derived from dried cochineal insects, widely used as a colorant in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

What is Carmine?

Carmine, also known as carminic acid or E120, is a natural red to crimson pigment extracted from the dried and ground bodies of female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). It has been used for centuries and is among the most stable natural colorants available.

Origin and Production

Cochineal insects live primarily on cactus plants of the genus Opuntia in South America, especially in Peru, and on the Canary Islands. The female insects are harvested, dried, and ground to extract the pigment. The active compound, carminic acid, is then obtained through water extraction. Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 insects are needed to produce one kilogram of carmine dye.

Chemical Properties

The primary active compound is carminic acid, an anthraquinone derivative. The color it produces varies with pH: in acidic conditions it appears orange-red, while in alkaline conditions it shifts toward violet or purple. Carmine is lightfast, heat-stable, and soluble in both water and ethanol.

Applications

Food Industry

In the food industry, carmine (E120) is used as a colorant in a wide range of products, including:

Yogurts, desserts, and confectionery
Soft drinks and fruit juices
Processed meat and sausage products
Jams and fruit preparations

Cosmetics

In the cosmetics industry, carmine is commonly used in lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, and other makeup products.

Pharmaceuticals

Carmine is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a coloring agent for tablets and capsules.

Labeling and Vegan Considerations

In the European Union, carmine must be declared on food labels as E120 or under the name cochineal. As it is derived from an animal source, carmine is neither vegan nor suitable for certain religious dietary practices (e.g., halal or kosher) unless specifically certified.

Allergies and Intolerances

Carmine can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, and in rare cases, severe anaphylactic reactions have been reported. People with a known sensitivity to carmine should avoid products labeled with E120. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), carmine is safe for the general population when used as intended, but individuals with allergies should exercise caution.

Safety and Regulatory Status

Carmine is approved as a food additive in the European Union, the United States (as a certified color additive), and many other countries. The EFSA has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of cochineal, carminic acid, carmines (E 120) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2015.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Color Additives Permitted for Use in Human Food - 21 CFR Part 73. Washington, D.C.
Downham, A. & Collins, P.: Colouring our foods in the last and next millennium. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2000.

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