Is Carmine Halal?

What is Carmine?

Carmine, also known as cochineal extract, Natural Red 4, or CI 75470, is a bright red pigment obtained from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). These tiny scale insects are native to Central and South America and feed on prickly pear cacti. Carmine has been used as a colorant for centuries and remains one of the most stable and vibrant natural red dyes available.

How is Carmine Produced?

Cochineal insects are harvested from cactus plants, typically by brushing them off manually. The harvested insects are sun-dried, crushed, and then boiled in water with various chemicals to extract the carminic acid — the compound responsible for the red color. The solution is filtered, and aluminum or calcium salts are added to precipitate the carmine pigment. Approximately 70,000 insects are needed to produce one pound of carmine dye.

Is Carmine Halal or Haram?

Carmine is considered haram by the vast majority of Islamic scholars. The primary reason is that it is derived from insects, which are considered impure (najs) and impermissible to consume in mainstream Islamic jurisprudence. The Quran prohibits consuming what is impure, and insects (with the exception of locusts, per the hadith) fall into this category. Even scholars who might accept the transformation argument (istihalah) generally do not apply it to carmine, as the end product directly contains insect-derived material.

Scholarly Opinions

There is strong scholarly consensus that carmine is haram. The Islamic Fiqh Academy, JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), and most Middle Eastern fatwa bodies classify it as impermissible. The Maliki school, which is more permissive regarding insect consumption, may allow it in some interpretations, but this is a minority position.

Halal Certification Considerations

Carmine is widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. It appears under various names: E120, cochineal, Natural Red 4, CI 75470, and carminic acid. Halal-certified alternatives include beetroot extract, paprika extract, and synthetic food colorings.

Common Products Containing Carmine

Carmine is commonly found in the following types of products:

• Red candies
• Yogurt
• Fruit juices
• Lipstick
• Blush makeup
• Red velvet cake
• Strawberry ice cream
• Jams

Always check the product label or use the Halal Scanner app to verify the halal status of products containing Carmine.