Animal-derived
Doubtful (Syubhat)
E120
Carmine / Cochineal (E120)
A natural red dye from the cochineal insect; scholars hold differing views on its status.
Why this is a critical point
Carmine is extracted from dried, crushed female cochineal insects. Scholars differ: some permit it (holding that insects are not najis), others urge caution since it is technically an insect carcass. LPPOM MUI requires the extraction process (including any alcohol solvent) to be verified before a product's final status is declared.
Also known as
Carmine, Cochineal, Natural Red 4, E120, Karminat
Commonly found in
Red-colored drinks, candy, lipstick, fruit yoghurt, processed meat products.
Halal alternative
Plant-based red colorants such as beetroot red, anthocyanin, or lycopene.
This information is educational guidance, not a fatwa or an official halal determination. A product’s final status can only be established through inspection by an accredited Halal Inspection Body (LPH) and a ruling from the MUI Fatwa Commission / Halal Product Fatwa Committee.
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