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Ingredient Guide

🇨🇦 Carmine on Food Labels in Canada

Carmine is permitted with proper declaration in Canada: declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Carmine (E120, cochineal extract) is a natural deep-red pigment extracted from cochineal insects, used in yoghurts, drinks, sweets, and cosmetics. In Canada, Carmine is regulated under FDR & Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as a food coloring. CFIA requires declaration by specific name. Cannot be declared as a generic colour. Relevant for vegan/vegetarian claim verification.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E120
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "cochineal extract or carmine"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Carmine
  • Omitting the E-number E120 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Carmine content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: cochineal extract or carmine"
"cochineal extract or carmine" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... cochineal extract or carmine ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Natural Red 4, Carminic acid) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Carmine" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Carmine and all its common names (Cochineal, Natural Red 4, Carminic acid, CI Natural Red 4) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Canada rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is carmine (E120)?

Carmine (E120, cochineal extract) is a natural deep-red pigment extracted from cochineal insects, used in yoghurts, drinks, sweets, and cosmetics. It commonly appears in: Strawberry yoghurt, Red fruit juices, Pink grapefruit drinks, Maraschino cherries, Red-tinted meat products.

Is carmine bad for you?

Carmine is safe for most consumers, but it is one of the few food colours known to cause genuine allergic reactions, including rare anaphylaxis, which is why the FDA has required it to be named explicitly on US labels since 2011. Because it is insect-derived, it is not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher positioning.

How must Carmine be declared on food labels in Canada?

Declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" in the ingredient list. CFIA requires declaration by specific name. Cannot be declared as a generic colour. Relevant for vegan/vegetarian claim verification.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Carmine?

Carmine may appear under the following names: Cochineal, Natural Red 4, Carminic acid, CI Natural Red 4, E120, Crimson Lake. Common hidden sources include: Strawberry yoghurt, Red fruit juices, Pink grapefruit drinks, Maraschino cherries, Red-tinted meat products, Some wines.

Is carmine banned in Canada or other markets?

Requires mandatory warnings in: US.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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