Red · E120 · Cochineal
Carmine
Natural red colorant from cochineal · Replaces Red 40
REPLACESRed 40 (allura red)
SHADEPink to deep raspberry red
SUGGESTED LABELCarmine, or cochineal extract
Product profile
- Description
- Natural red colorant obtained from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). Good stability to light and oxygen; heat stability is good at neutral pH and lower in acid. Used for beverages, dairy, confectionery and meat.
- Source
- Cochineal insect (animal origin)
- Reference
- E120 · INS 120 · carminic acid
- JECFA
- Group ADI 0 to 5 mg/kg bw (cochineal extract, carmines); carmines specification: not less than 50% carminic acid
- Forms
- Water-soluble carmine (alkaline solution), carmine lake (insoluble, dispersible) and carminic acid
Specifications
- Form
- Powder and liquid
- Solubility
- Water-soluble (lake and liquid grades by pH)
- Carminic acid content
- By grade, typically 2% to 50%
- Appearance
- Red to dark red powder or liquid
- Heavy metals
- JECFA carmines: Pb ≤5 mg/kg. Pb ≤2 · As ≤1 · Hg ≤1 · Cd ≤1 ppm (FARBE standard)
- Microbiology
- TPC ≤1000 CFU/g · yeast ≤100 · mold ≤100 · E. coli absent in 10 g (FARBE standard); Salmonella negative
Stability
Light
Heat
pH rangeOrange at acid, red near pH 6
carmine lake precipitates in acid
carmine lake precipitates in acid
Oxidation
Use and application
- Applications
- Beverages, yogurts, ice cream, confectionery, fruit preparations, meat products, casings.
- Dosage
- Typical 0.0005% to 0.1%. FARBE develops the shade with you.
- Notes
- Carminic acid is orange at acid pH, red near pH 6, purple at alkaline pH. The carmine lake precipitates in acid and needs alkaline dispersion. Animal-derived: not suitable for vegetarian claims.
Storage and packaging
- Storage
- Clean, dry place in original sealed packaging, away from direct sunlight
- Shelf life
- Powder: 24 months · Liquid: 6 months (unopened, as stored)
- Packaging
- Available in 5 kg, 20 kg and 25 kg presentations
Animal-derivedFSSC 22000 plantNon-GMO
Labeling and regulatory
- Suggested declaration
- Carmine, or cochineal extract (US: must be declared by name)
- US status
- Exempt from certification (21 CFR 73.100); name declaration mandatory
- Allergens
- Insect-derived; rare allergic reactions reported.
- Certifications
- FSSC 22000 · ISO 9001
Information is provided in good faith and reflects typical product characteristics; it is not a warranty. Stability ratings are indicative (1 low, 5 high) and depend on formula, process and packaging. Validate in your application. Values are typical; the final product specification sheet governs.
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