E123 — Amaranth
Dark red/purple food coloring
Also known as: Amaranth · CI 16185 · Food Red 9 · FD&C Red No. 2
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
Synthetic dye - halal in dry powder form. Liquid form requires halal solvent. Banned in the USA since 1976. Rare in modern food products.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E123 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Verified halal alternatives:
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About E123
Color. It is dry form petroleum base. It is Halal if use as a powder dye. Liquid dye is Halal only if only Halal solvents are used.. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E123 made from?
- synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived)
Regulatory Status by Country
Banned
- ✕ United States — banned by the FDA in 1976 due to cancer concerns; not permitted in any food products
Restricted
- ○ Russia and some CIS countries — restricted or banned in certain food categories
Foods that commonly contain E123
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E123 (Amaranth) halal?
E123 (Amaranth) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E123 used for?
E123 is used as a dark red/purple food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E123?
E123 (Amaranth) is commonly found in: caviar, fish roe, some alcoholic drinks, certain sweets.
What is E123 made from?
E123 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye (petroleum-derived).
What are the other names for E123?
E123 may appear on food labels as: Amaranth, CI 16185, Food Red 9, FD&C Red No. 2.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.