Food-Info.net> E-numbers > E100-200

E120: Carmine, Carminic acid, Cochineal

E120(i) Carmine
E120(ii) Cochineal extract

CI 75470

Origin:
Natural red food colour isolated from the insects Dactylopius coccus, living on different species of succulents. E120(i) is the pure colour, whereas E120(ii) is the crude extract. For more information, see the background file on cochineal.

Function & characteristics:
Red food colour. Very soluble in water.

Products:
Many products.

Daily intake:
Up to 5 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
No side effects in the concentrations used in foods. Increased hyperactivity has been reported in a few cases. Contact allergy is well known when used in cosmetics.

Dietary restrictions:
As it is extracted from insects, E120 cannot be consumed by vegans and vegetarians and neither by some religious groups.