Cochineal extract (carmine) (Color)
International number (INS/E number) E120
How it's written on Korean labels 코치닐추출색소카민
What is this additive?
A red color made from insects. Rarely causes allergies. Not vegan.
Note Debated in research, or something certain people should watch.
What is it used for?
- Adds or restores color. Doesn't affect taste or shelf life.
Safety summary
JECFA acceptable daily intake (ADI): 0–5 mg per kg of body weight per day (evaluated 2000)
⚠ To verify: we haven't re-checked this value against the original JECFA database entry.
In Korea it may be used only within the food-by-food limits in the MFDS Food Additives Code.
Sources: JECFA database (FAO/WHO) · Food Safety Korea (MFDS Food Additives Code, Korean)
Permitted in Korea within legal limits. This is reference information summarized from public regulatory and research sources, not medical advice.
Common in
Yogurt & dairyJellyHam & sausageCandy
Use differs by food type, and products of the same type can have different ingredients.
If you want to avoid it
- Made from insects (cochineal), so not vegan or vegetarian. Look for 코치닐 or 카민.
- On Korean labels, also look for 카민.
Products with Cochineal extract (carmine)
No collected product lists Cochineal extract (carmine) yet. We'll show them here as products are added.
Found by matching text in the ingredient list, so some products may be missed or mismatched. Always check the package. This list refreshes once a day.
Related additives
Natural colorsAllura Red (Red No. 40)Tartrazine (Yellow No. 4)Sunset Yellow (Yellow No. 5)Ponceau 4R (Red No. 102)Erythrosine (Red No. 3)Amaranth (Red No. 2)Brilliant Blue / Indigo carmine (Blue No. 1·2)Fast Green (Green No. 3)Titanium dioxide
Other dictionaries: Additive dictionary · Ingredient dictionary · Allergens