Color Additive · CAS 1390-65-4 · EU E120
Carmine (Cochineal)
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Carmine (Cochineal) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Carmine (Cochineal) is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
CAS-led regulatory snapshot
Carmine (Cochineal): no OFF product match; CAS 1390-65-4 is the lead registry handle on this row.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1390-65-4 | CAS Registry |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E120 | EU additive register |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Carmine (Cochineal)?
Natural red dye from cochineal insects.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Not suitable for vegans. Rare allergic reactions.
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Carmine (Cochineal)
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmine (Cochineal) safe to consume?
Carmine (Cochineal) scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; the distinctive registry handle is CAS 1390-65-4, so this page leads with the chemical identity row rather than a shelf-prevalence claim.
What is Carmine (Cochineal) used for in food?
Carmine (Cochineal) (CAS 1390-65-4) is catalogued for Yogurt, candy, beverages, cosmetics (Color Additive); OFF has not matched a U.S. product row yet.
What health concerns are associated with Carmine (Cochineal)?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Carmine (Cochineal): Safe. Not suitable for vegans. Rare allergic reactions.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.