Is it permissible to consume foods containing additives such as E120?
A food additive known as E120 on the market is made from insects and is also widely used. Is it permissible to consume foods containing this additive?
Yes, such a production unfortunately exists and is widely used. The substances produced from this insect, which is called the carmine beetle or similar names, are used as coloring matter. As far as we know, this insect is grown and converted into a dyestuff by boiling in hot water or drying in an oven. In some cases, it is provided to increase the purity of this substance with ethyl alcohol. This substance can be used in chicken and meat products, strawberry flavored foods, desserts, cakes, biscuits and dairy products. This is used to create and recolor more attractive colors. After all, there is an opinion among the fuqaha that this animal, which is an insect, will not be najis because it does not have fluent blood. Although the opinion of some fuqaha that insects can be used because they are added to foods in a very small amount after the mentioned chemical processes can be taken as a modern necessity, it should be known that the taqwa is to stay away from such hesitant things.