food colors

E180 — Pigment Rubine

Red food coloring

Also known as: Ruby Red · CI 15850 · Pigment Rubine · Lithol Rubine BK

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.

Function Red food coloring
Found in red cheese rinds (e.g. Edam), some confectionery
Source synthetic azo dye

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. Use restricted to cheese rind coloring in EU.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim

If present, E180 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.

Vegan / vegetarian claim = plant-sourced = safe
2

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.

Certified logo = independently verified

Neither? Here's what to do next:

📍 In store

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?

🌐 Shopping online

Verified halal alternatives:

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Background & Details

About E180

Color - it is synthetic Azo dye. It is Halal if used as a powder but it is Mushbooh if used in liquid form because solvent has to be Halal.. 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 E180 made from?

  • synthetic azo dye

Foods that commonly contain E180

red cheese rinds (e.g. Edam) some confectionery

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E180 (Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK) halal?

E180 (Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK) 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 E180 used for?

E180 is used as a red food coloring in food products.

What foods contain E180?

E180 (Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK) is commonly found in: red cheese rinds (e.g. Edam), some confectionery.

What is E180 made from?

E180 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic azo dye.

What are the other names for E180?

E180 may appear on food labels as: Ruby Red, CI 15850, Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BK.

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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.