Cochineal

Cochineal (E120) is a natural red colourant derived from the dried bodies of the female insect Dactylopius coccus, which feeds on cacti in Central and South America. The active pigment, carminic acid, binds with aluminium or calcium salts to produce carmine, a vivid crimson lake pigment used for centuries. In food manufacturing it is widely employed for red to pink shades in meat products, dairy, confectionery, beverages, and fruit preparations.

JECFA evaluated cochineal and carminic acid in 2011 and established an ADI of 0–5 mg per kg body weight per day, meaning a 60 kg adult can consume up to 300 mg daily from all food additive sources without appreciable long-term risk. The evaluation considered the full range of toxicological data available, including allergenicity evidence. No numerical EFSA ADI is available in the EFSA OpenFoodTox 3.0 database for the E120 entry.

The primary consumer concern with cochineal is its potential to trigger allergic reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, and in rare documented cases anaphylaxis. Mandatory labelling requirements in the EU and many other jurisdictions require that cochineal and carmine be declared by name — not simply as "colour" or "E120" — specifically to alert consumers with known sensitivities. Cochineal is also relevant for consumers following vegan or vegetarian diets, as it is an animal-derived ingredient. It is permitted across the EU, United States, Japan, South Korea, and most major markets.