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Ingredient Guide

🇬🇧 Carmine on Food Labels in UK

Carmine is permitted with proper declaration in United Kingdom: declare as "cochineal (E120) or carminic acid (E120)" 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 United Kingdom, Carmine is regulated under Retained EU Law & UK FIC as a food coloring. Same EU-derived rules apply. FSA confirms carmine must be declared by name. Vegan certification bodies prohibit its use.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "cochineal (E120) or carminic acid (E120)" 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 (E120) or carminic acid (E120)"
  • 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 (E120) or carminic acid (E120)"
"cochineal (E120) or carminic acid (E120)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... cochineal (E120) or carminic acid (E120) ..."

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 UK 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 UK?

Declare as "cochineal (E120) or carminic acid (E120)" in the ingredient list. Same EU-derived rules apply. FSA confirms carmine must be declared by name. Vegan certification bodies prohibit its use.

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 UK 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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