LabelGuard
Sign InGet Started
Ingredient Guide

🇦🇺 Carmine on Food Labels in Australia

Carmine is permitted with proper declaration in Australia & New Zealand: declare as "cochineal (120) or carmine (120)" in the ingredient list.

Check My Label for Australia CompliancePaste Ingredients List
What the Rule Is

Red coloring derived from cochineal insects, used in yoghurt, juice, and confectionery. In Australia & New Zealand, Carmine is regulated under Food Standards Code as a food coloring. Must declare with name and number. Relevant for products making vegan claims as carmine is animal-derived.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "cochineal (120) or carmine (120)" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "coloring" and E-number E120
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "cochineal (120) or carmine (120)"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Carmine
  • Omitting the E-number E120 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Carmine content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"coloring: cochineal (120) or carmine (120)"
"cochineal (120) or carmine (120)" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... cochineal (120) or carmine (120) ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Natural Red 4, Carminic acid) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Carmine" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Carmine and all its common names (Cochineal, Natural Red 4, Carminic acid, CI Natural Red 4) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under Australia rules.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

How must Carmine be declared on food labels in Australia?

Declare as "cochineal (120) or carmine (120)" in the ingredient list. Must declare with name and number. Relevant for products making vegan claims as carmine is animal-derived.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Carmine?

Carmine may appear under the following names: Cochineal, Natural Red 4, Carminic acid, CI Natural Red 4, E120, Crimson Lake. Common hidden sources include: Strawberry yoghurt, Red fruit juices, Pink grapefruit drinks, Maraschino cherries, Red-tinted meat products, Some wines.

Is Carmine banned or restricted in any market?

Requires mandatory warnings in: US.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

Ensure Australia Compliance

Get your label checked against all Australia regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

Related Resources
Australia Compliance Hub

Explore all Australia labeling requirements in one place.

View Australia Hub

Ready to Ensure Full Australia Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all Food Standards Code requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Start Your First Check - $29View Pricing Plans

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide