Is E124 halal?

What is E124?

Ponceau 4R is a synthetic strawberry-red azo dye. It is made by coupling two petrochemical-derived aromatic compounds and is sold as a sodium salt. Despite its other name, cochineal red A, it has nothing to do with cochineal insects.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Ponceau 4R is made entirely by chemical synthesis, so there is no animal or insect material in it, and it is generally treated as halal. People sometimes mistake it for carmine (E120) because of its alternative name. As with other synthetic dyes, liquid colour blends may contain carriers such as glycerol that are not always declared.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for the dye. Make sure you do not confuse E124 with E120 on the label. For full assurance about carriers in a colour blend, a halal certificate on the product is the clearest sign.

Where you'll find it

• sweets
• desserts
• flavoured drinks
• cake decorations

Good to know

• In the EU and UK, foods and drinks containing it must carry the warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”.
• In 2009 EFSA lowered its acceptable daily intake from 4 to 0.7 mg per kg of body weight per day, based on a long-term mouse study.
• Its EU synonyms are cochineal red A and new coccine. Both names refer to this synthetic dye.

Similar additives

• E102 Tartrazine Generally halal
• E110 Sunset Yellow FCF Generally halal
• E129 Allura Red AC Generally halal
• E133 Brilliant Blue FCF Generally halal
• E200 Sorbic acid Generally halal
• E202 Potassium sorbate Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of Ponceau 4R (E 124) (2009)
2. UK Food Standards Agency: food additives

Frequently asked questions