Halal Living:
Carmine: The Hidden Danger!
By Aisha K. Rayann

As salamu alaikum! My dearest sisters in Islam, I have come across a hidden danger to us all. I have recently come to know of a food additive found in food in the USA, Europe, and possibly other countries. The name of this food additive is called “Carmine.”
In the USA, it is also referred to as Crimson Lake, Cochineal, Natural Red 40, C.I. 75470, or E120. In Europe, Carmine is also referred to as listed under the names Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines and Natural Red 40 as additive E 120.
“Carmine” is “used in the manufacture of artificial flowers, paints, rouge, yogurt, cosmetics, food additives, and crimson ink [1.]
What occurs in the manufacturing process of carmine?
“Carmine may be prepared from cochineal, by boiling dried insects in water to extract the carminic acid and then treating the clear solution with alum, cream of tartar, stannous chloride, or potassium hydrogen oxalate; the coloring and animal matters present in the liquid are thus precipitated. Other methods are in use in which egg white, fish glue, or gelatin are sometimes added before the precipitation [1.]
Why is it dangerous?
It is a dangerous to us because it contains gelatin and other animal matter. “Gelatin is a protein produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines of animals such as domesticated cattle, pigs, and horses[2.]”
“O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, he is to you an open enemy.” [al-Baqarah 2:168]
“Say (O Muhammad): “I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maitah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely, is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering).” [al-An’aam 6:145]

What products contain Carmine?
Carmine is used as a food dye in many different products such as juices, ice cream, yogurt, and candy, and as a dye in cosmetic products such as eyeshadow and lipstick. Although principally a red dye, it is found in many foods that are shades of red, pink, and purple.

Tips to avoid Carmine:
- Avoid eating any foods that of which you are unsure of the ingredients
-Read the food labels in the grocery store or market that you shop.
-Read the ingredients in your cosmetic and beauty supplies.
-Warn your fellow brothers and sisters in Islam about Carmine. Exchange information from them about products that contain Carmine.


Be careful sisters!!!

As Salamu Alaikum, Aisha K. Rayann

1 wikipedia carmine
2 wikipedia geletin