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Typical source

Cochineal insects

Plain-language explanation

E120, commonly known as carmine or cochineal, is a natural red food coloring extracted from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects. Because it is derived directly from an insect, it is strictly prohibited and considered haram by the majority of major halal certification bodies, including JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA. While some minority Islamic opinions consider certain insects permissible, the leading certifiers uniformly reject E120 due to its insect origin and the requirement for halal slaughter, which cannot be applied to bugs. Muslim consumers should actively avoid any products containing this ingredient and look for plant-based red alternatives like beetroot or anthocyanins instead.