E124
food colorsPonceau 4R / Cochineal Red A
Haram (Prohibited)
Is E124 (Ponceau 4R) halal?
Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
What to do
Avoid this code. Check halal alternatives or scan a substitute product.
About E124
Color cochineal red a is a haram color. Ponceau 4r is a synthetic color. It is Halal if used in dry form from Halal sources but liquid form is Halal if Halal solvents are used. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
Not Permissible
Avoid products listing this E-code unless you have confirmed the product holds a valid halal certification covering this ingredient.
What is E124 made from?
- synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)
- cochineal (natural variant)
Scholarly Notes
The synthetic Ponceau 4R is generally considered Mushbooh. The natural cochineal variant (Cochineal Red A) is Haram under most scholarly opinions.
Foods that commonly contain E124
Food Category Guide
E124 is common in jelly — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Halal Alternatives
These E-codes serve a similar function and are generally considered halal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) halal?
E124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) is classified as Haram (Prohibited). Contains prohibited ingredients. This additive is derived from sources that are not permissible in Islamic dietary laws, such as pork-derived ingredients, insects, or alcohol.
What is E124 used for?
E124 is used as a red food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E124?
E124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) is commonly found in: tinned strawberries, fruit pie fillings, glacé cherries, jelly, salami, seafood dressings.
What is E124 made from?
E124 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived), cochineal (natural variant).
What are the other names for E124?
E124 may appear on food labels as: CI 16255, Ponceau 4R, Food Red 7, Cochineal Red A.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haram, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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