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Carmine E120

Carmine (E120), also known as genuine carmine, carminic acid or cochineal is the only food additive that is of animal origin. It is obtained by extraction from female scale insects and gives the respective product a light to bright red colour.

 

Extraction 

To obtain the color, the female cochineal scale insects are dried for the first time. These live on a certain type of cactus in Central America and are mainly grown and collected in plantations in Mexico. In order to obtain the substance carminic acid from the lice, they are brought to the boil by extraction with the help of water and sulfuric acid. The solid carminic acid is then crystallized with aluminum salts and the red dye carmine is formed. It is important to mention that it is not the blood itself that provides the red color, but the carminic acid that is produced in the body of the louse. About 150-160 thousand scale insects are needed for one kilogram. A synthetic production of carmine is also possible and is given as cochineal red A (E124).

 

Usage 

In the food industry, carmine is often used as a coloring in sweets, ice cream, sausages, baked goods, fruit juices, energy drinks and other foods.
It can also be used in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industry to color lipsticks, medicines or even textiles.
If carmine is used as a coloring agent in the food industry, it must be specified in the list of ingredients either with its name or with its E number.
An alternative to the animal dye would be, for example, a synthetic production as cochineal red A (E124), beetroot juice or alkannin (a dye from the alkannin root).

 

Safety Instructions

Carmine can cause pseudoallergies in sensitive individuals in the form of skin rashes, hyperactivity, asthma, trouble sleeping, respiratory problems or blurred vision.
The permitted daily dose (ADI value) of carmine is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight. The ADI value indicates the daily amount of a substance that can be eaten over a lifetime without any health risks.

 

Is Carmine Halal?

The dye carmine is valued differently in the four schools of law's. According to the Maliki school of law, this is classified as halal[1]. The Hanafi and Shafi'i schools of law prohibit the eating of disgusting and unsavory animals[2], such as lice. For example, the Hanafi, Shafii and Hanbelite schools classify carmine (E120) from natural/animal sources as haram.
 
However, the change in condition that occurs during production and changes the nature of the louse must also be taken into account. The structure changes compared to its original state and is not classified as haram according to some scholars.
 
The health risks also play a major role, so you should not consume it if you have health problems.
In summary, one can say that carmine of natural origin is evaluated differently and can be classified as suspicious for the first time. Every Muslim consumer should therefore decide for himself whether he wants to consume carmine of animal origin and, if necessary, one should inquire with a scholar.

 

 

Individual Proofs

  1. "I was friends with the Messenger of Allah and took part in his conversations, but I did not realize that he forbade eating insects" Hadith narrated by Milkâm b. Telibb; Ebu Dâvud, Et'ime 30
  2.  Imam Gazzâli, Ihyâu ulûmi'd-din, II, 93

 

Reference 

HalalSchools of LawE-NumbersGelling AgentGelatineFiltration MethodsSeafoodAlcohol-free BeerKefirAlcohol in AromaPolyhydric alcoholsVinegarCarmine E120Shellac E904Cysteine E920Rennet Separated Meat ProductsHalal-Market in Germany