What is E120?
Cochineal, carmines and carminic acid (E120) are insect-derived red colour ingredients. Goodnessly rates them Caution as a prompt to notice colour source and labelling.
E120 covers colour preparations derived from cochineal insects, including carmines and carminic acid. It gives a red to pink shade in selected foods.
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What is Cochineal or carmines or carminic acid?
E120 covers colour preparations derived from cochineal insects, including carmines and carminic acid. It gives a red to pink shade in selected foods.
What's it used for?
- Adding red or pink colour
- Supporting consistent appearance
- Colouring selected drinks, desserts and confectionery
Where you'll find E120 on the shelf
It is most relevant to red or pink drinks, confectionery, desserts, fruit preparations and other coloured foods.
Is E120 safe? What the regulators say
E120 is authorised with conditions in all three regions checked, but the source and required declaration can matter to dietary, cultural or allergy-related choices.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists cochineal, carmines and carminic acid as additive 120; category conditions and the required name apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E120 is on the EU Union list for specified food categories. The applicable colour name and any required labelling statement must be followed. |
| US United States (FDA) | Exempt colour additive with declaration requirements | FDA lists cochineal extract and carmine as colour additives exempt from certification, with specific declaration requirements under 21 CFR 73.100. |
Caution is about source transparency and personal choice. It is not a claim that E120 is unsafe for everyone.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, additive 120.
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list, E120.
- FDA 21 CFR 73.100, Cochineal extract and carmine.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People avoiding insect-derived ingredients
- People checking colour source for cultural or dietary reasons
- People who need to read colour declarations carefully
Goodnessly rates E120 Caution because the source may matter even when the colour is permitted.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Cochineal
- Carmine
- Carminic acid
- 120 or E120
- Colour (120)
Check the full ingredient name as well as the number; labels may use cochineal, carmine or carminic acid.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E120?
E120 is cochineal, carmines or carminic acid, colour ingredients derived from cochineal insects.
Is E120 permitted?
E120 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US, with specific naming or declaration rules.
Why do people check E120?
Some people avoid insect-derived ingredients for dietary, cultural or personal reasons.
How does Goodnessly rate E120?
Goodnessly rates E120 (cochineal, carmines or carminic acid) as Caution.
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