Additive of the Day: From Insects to Tables - The Controversy and Global Attitudes Towards Carmine as a Food Additive

E120, also known as carmine or carminic acid, is a natural red dye widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. It is derived from cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus), a type of insect that parasitizes cacti.

Despite E120 (carmine) having a long history of use as a natural pigment, its use as a food additive has sparked considerable controversy. This article will focus on the reasons for the resistance to E120, including ethical, health, and cultural issues, and explore the attitudes and policies of various countries around the world regarding its use.

Brief Overview of the Origin of E120 (Carmine)

The history of E120 dates back to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Archaeological evidence shows that these civilizations used cochineal insects to extract dye for coloring textiles and ornaments, with red being seen as a symbol of power and status. For example, during the reign of Montezuma II, 11 conquered cities were required to pay annual tributes of 2,000 decorated cotton blankets and 40 bags of carmine dye.

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors discovered the potential of this dye and brought cochineal insects back to Europe. Carmine quickly became a favorite among European nobles and armies, used to dye silk, wool, and soldiers’ red uniforms (such as the British redcoats). It was even used in Renaissance paintings, such as the works of Titian and Rubens. During the colonial period, carmine was the second-largest export commodity of New Spain (Mexico) after silver mines, with huge trade volumes and far-reaching influence.

In the late 18th century, Britain attempted to establish a cochineal farming industry in Australia to break the Spanish and Portuguese monopoly on the dye. In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip brought back cacti infested with cochineal insects from Brazil, but the farming failed due to unsuitable environmental conditions.

Today, E120 (carmine) is widely used in the food industry, such as in candies, yogurts, beverages, and cosmetics (like lipstick).

Reasons for Resistance to E120 (Carmine) as a Food Additive

Although E120 (carmine) is considered a natural pigment, its use in food has been met with multifaceted questioning and resistance. The main reasons are as follows:

Ethical and Cultural Resistance

• Objection from Vegetarians and Vegans: E120 (carmine) is derived from insects, which conflicts with the principles of vegetarianism and veganism. Many vegetarians believe that consuming insect products violates their ethical choice to avoid exploiting animals.
• Religious Taboos: In religions such as Islam and Judaism, insects are often considered “impure,” so E120 (carmine) does not meet the standards of Halal or Kosher, leading to the rejection of foods containing E120 by these groups.
• Consumer Psychological Barriers: With the rise of the “clean label” movement, consumers are increasingly concerned about the source of food ingredients. Upon learning that E120 (carmine) is derived from insects, many people feel uncomfortable or disgusted, especially when it is not clearly labeled on packaging. This issue of transparency further exacerbates the resistance.

Health and Safety Concerns

• Allergy Risks: Studies have shown that some people may have allergic reactions to E120 (carmine), with symptoms including urticaria, asthma, and even difficulty breathing. Although these cases are relatively rare, they are enough to raise consumer concerns. For example, Food Intolerance Network materials indicate that E120 (carmine) may pose health risks to sensitive individuals.
• Potential Controversies: Although regulatory agencies consider E120 (carmine) safe at prescribed doses, the general public’s distrust of food additives makes it subject to scrutiny. Some consumers worry about potential unknown risks from long-term intake, especially in the absence of more independent research.

Competition from Alternatives

• With the popularity of plant-based diets, the food industry has developed a variety of plant-derived natural pigments, such as beet red, turmeric extract, and paprika extract. These alternatives not only avoid animal-derived issues but also cater to the needs of vegetarians and consumers who value sustainability. In contrast, the insect origin of E120 (carmine) appears less “modern,” leading to a decline in its market competitiveness.

Global Attitudes Towards E120 (Carmine)

The use and acceptance of E120 (carmine) globally vary depending on national policies, cultural backgrounds, and consumer preferences. Here are the attitudes of several representative regions:

• United States
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists E120 (carmine) as a “color additive exempt from certification,” allowing its use in food, but requires clear labeling as “carmine” or “carminic acid” on the label. However, in recent years, consumer resistance to insect-derived food additives has increased, and many food companies have proactively switched to plant-based pigments to meet market demand.

• European Union
  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted a detailed assessment of E120 (carmine), deeming it safe but setting an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight, with usage limits between 50-500 mg/kg. Nevertheless, consumer acceptance within the EU varies by country. For example, in Nordic countries, vegetarianism and the emphasis on food transparency have limited the use of E120 (carmine) to some extent.

• Japan
  Japan has extremely strict regulations on food additives. Although E120 (carmine) is permitted for use, it must comply with clear labeling requirements. Japanese consumers have a very high level of concern for food safety, coupled with cultural sensitivity to insect-derived ingredients. The acceptance of E120 (carmine) is low locally, and market demand is limited.

• Australia and New Zealand
  The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved E120 (carmine) for use as a food color, but requires clear labeling of its source. In recent years, local consumer resistance to E120 has risen, prompting some companies to switch to plant-based alternatives to meet the “clean label” trend.

• China
  China’s attitude towards E120 (carmine) is positive, considering it a safe and effective food additive. The government supports its use through regulations, and the market and consumers show high acceptance of it. Strict labeling requirements ensure transparency. Although more plant-based alternatives may emerge in the future due to changes in consumer demand, E120 (carmine) will still hold an important position in the Chinese food industry in the short term.

• Developing Countries
  In Latin America (such as Mexico, Peru) and some African countries, the traditional use of cochineal insects makes it relatively common in local foods. However, with the deepening of globalization, consumers in these regions are also beginning to be influenced by Western dietary trends, showing increasing concern about the ethical and health issues of E120 (carmine).

Conclusion

E120 (carmine), as a natural food additive, has sparked widespread controversy at ethical, cultural, and health levels due to its insect origin. Although major global regulatory agencies consider it safe within specified limits, consumer resistance is driving the rise of plant-based alternatives.

In the future, as demands for food transparency and sustainability increase, the position of E120 (carmine) in the food industry may face greater challenges, prompting the industry to further innovate to meet the needs of modern consumers.