What is E180?
E180 is Litholrubine BK, a food additive used as a colour (food color). Synthetic. Used only on cheese rinds.
Also written as: INS 180, E-180, E 180. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E180 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E180 (Litholrubine BK) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Synthetic. Used only on cheese rinds.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E180 halal?
E180 (Litholrubine BK) is halal. Synthetic. Used only on cheese rinds.
What is E180 made from?
Synthetic dye.
What is E180 used for?
E180 is used as a colour, typically in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, sauces and snacks.
What should I do if a product contains E180?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E180 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E180 (Litholrubine BK) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.