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Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Carmine on Food Labels in US

Carmine is permitted but requires specific warning statements in United States: declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" with the required warning: Must declare "cochineal extract" or "carmine" by name — not simply as "artificial color" or "color added".

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What the Rule Is

Red coloring derived from cochineal insects, used in yoghurt, juice, and confectionery. In United States, Carmine is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food coloring. FDA rule effective 2011: the specific source name must be declared due to reports of anaphylactic reactions. Previously allowed to hide under "artificial color".

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" in the ingredient list
  • Include the required warning: Must declare "cochineal extract" or "carmine" by name — not simply as "artificial color" or "color added"
  • 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
  • Missing the mandatory warning: Must declare "cochineal extract" or "carmine" by name — not simply as "artificial color" or "color added"
  • 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 extract or carmine" + warning: Must declare "cochineal extract" or "carmine" by name — not simply as "artificial color" or "color added"
"cochineal extract or carmine" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... cochineal extract or carmine ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Natural Red 4, Carminic acid) without the approved declaration name
Missing the required warning statement near the ingredient declaration
"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 mandatory warning statements under US rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How must Carmine be declared on food labels in US?

Declare as "cochineal extract or carmine" in the ingredient list. A mandatory warning must also appear: Must declare "cochineal extract" or "carmine" by name — not simply as "artificial color" or "color added". FDA rule effective 2011: the specific source name must be declared due to reports of anaphylactic reactions. Previously allowed to hide under "artificial color".

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.

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