How is the food coloring carmine made?

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Carmine is also known as cochineal extract. It is a food coloring made from the body of the cochineal insect. Carmine coloring has been known to cause allergies, and as a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring labeling.

How Carmine is Made

Carmine is made from the dried and crushed bodies of the female cochineal beetle. When females are about to lay eggs, they turn a bright red color. A process dries the shells, and the color is dissolved in a solvent.

Considerations

More than 1 million pounds of the insect is used to make one pound of dye. It is labor intensive and more expensive than other dyes, but has a deep red color considered desirable.

Uses

Carmine coloring is used in candy, alcoholic and fruit beverages, yogurt and ice cream. It is also used in cosmetics. It adds artificial coloring that is red, purple or pink.

Warning

Carmine coloring has caused allergic reactions and sent hundreds to the emergency room, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The coloring is not listed as bug-based, and people have been found to be allergic.

FDA Ruling

On Jan. 5, 2009, the FDA issued a final ruling requiring all food and cosmetic companies to declare, by name, the source of the artificial coloring. This final rule goes into effect on Jan. 5, 2011.

Source:

Cosmetics design: New labeling rules for cochineal bug coloring

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Bug-Based Food Dye Should Be...Exterminated, Says CSPI

Sci-toys: Ingredients -- Carmine

More Information:

FDA: Guidance for the Industry/Cochineal Extract and Carmine

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How is the food coloring carmine made?

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