E124 — Ponceau 4R
Red food coloring
Also known as: CI 16255 · Ponceau 4R · Food Red 7 · Cochineal Red A
Not permissible
No — Haraam
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.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Not Permitted
Maliki
Not Permitted
Shafi'i
Not Permitted
Hanbali
Not Permitted
The synthetic Ponceau 4R is generally considered Mushbooh. The natural cochineal variant (Cochineal Red A) is Haraam under most scholarly opinions.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Avoid this product — E124 is from an impermissible source
This applies regardless of any other claims on the packaging. A halal logo elsewhere on the product does not override a known haram ingredient.
Find a halal-certified alternative
Halal alternatives exist: E162, E163. See the alternatives section below.
Need a halal alternative?
Put it back — look for a halal-certified version on the same shelf.
Look for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo. This confirms all ingredients — including this E-code — have been independently audited.
Verified halal alternatives:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
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)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) halal?
E124 (Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A) is classified as Haraam (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 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.