INS 124
food colorsPonceau 4R / Cochineal Red A
Haram (Prohibited)
Is INS 124 (Ponceau 4R) halal?
Contains prohibited ingredients derived from sources not permissible under Islamic dietary law.
What to do
Avoid this additive. Look for halal-certified alternatives.
Where is INS 124 used?
INS (International Numbering System) codes are maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and used on food labels in many countries outside the EU. You will commonly see INS 124 on packaging from:
In the EU and UK, the same additive appears as E124. The ingredient, halal status, and sourcing considerations are identical — only the labelling system differs.
EU / UK equivalent: E124
INS 124 and E124 refer to the same food additive — Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A. If you are checking a product purchased in the UK or Europe, look for E124 on the label instead.
See full E124 halal guide →About INS 124
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
🚫 Avoid This Additive
INS 124 is derived from prohibited sources. Avoid products containing this additive unless they carry a recognised halal certification that specifically addresses the source.
Sources / Derived From
- synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)
- cochineal (natural variant)
Foods that commonly contain INS 124
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) halal?
INS 124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) is classified as Haram (Prohibited). Contains prohibited ingredients derived from sources not permissible under Islamic dietary law.
What is INS 124 used for?
INS 124 is used as a red food coloring in food products.
What is the difference between INS 124 and E124?
INS 124 and E124 are the same additive — Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A. INS numbers are used on food labels in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and GCC countries. The E-number system (E124) is used in EU and UK markets. The halal status is identical regardless of which label system is used.
What foods contain INS 124?
INS 124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) is commonly found in: tinned strawberries, fruit pie fillings, glacé cherries, jelly, salami, seafood dressings.
What is INS 124 made from?
INS 124 can be derived from: synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived), cochineal (natural variant).
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