Carmoisine (Azorubine)

A synthetic red dye, unrelated to insect-derived carmine; halal.

Why?

Carmoisine (also called Azorubine) is a synthetic red dye, chemically unrelated to carmine/cochineal (E120) despite the similar use. Being fully synthetic, it carries none of the sourcing concerns associated with insect-derived colorants.

Good to know

Do not confuse with E120 Carmine, which is insect-derived and listed separately in this glossary.

References

• General consensus of major halal certification bodies (e.g. IFANCA, JAKIM, HFA)

Last reviewed: 2026-08-30

This is informational guidance only, not a certified halal determination. Always consult an official halal certification body for certainty.