Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! Despite the possible "eww" factor, this tasteless, FDA approved extract … Carmine (/ˈkɑːrmɪn/ or /ˈkɑːrmaɪn/), also called cochineal (for the insect from which it is extracted), cochineal extract, crimson lake or carmine lake, natural red 4, C.I. This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. For other uses, see. The pigment that results is carmine extract, and it’s used as a red “natural color” in a range of foods and body products. Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Carmine is a dye that’s found in some food products to create a red color. These proteins are responsible for the IgE-mediated carmine allergy. [13][14] Food industries were aggressively opposed to the idea of writing "insect-based" on the label, and the FDA agreed to allow "cochineal extract" or "carmine".[15]. The female cochineal bug to be precise. These carmine side effects may occur in people who are allergic to the insect proteins and can develop after direct contact (like with a lipstick or lotion), inhalation or consumption. This article is about the pigment. Carmine and cochineal extract shall be pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy all viable Salmonella microorganisms. Research shows that carmine can cause allergic reactions through direct contact, inhalation and digestion. [5], To prepare carmine, the powdered scale insect bodies are boiled in an ammonia or sodium carbonate solution. "Cochineal extract is a coloring extracted from the eggs of the cochineal beetle, which lives on cactus plants in Peru, the Canary Islands, and elsewhere. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. A request from the Center for Science in the Public Interest urging the FDA to require ingredient labels to explicitly state that carmine is derived from insects and may cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock was declined by the FDA. Cochineal dye comes in two basic forms: cochineal extract — the bodies of the pulverized bugs — and carmine, which is further processed to create a more purified coloring. Unlike other natural food dyes, like annatto — which comes from the seeds of the achiote tree  carmine is made with crushed insects. This produces carminic acid which is then combined with alumn. It is also a general term for a particularly deep-red color. Cochineal Carmine (/ˈkɑrmɪn/ or /ˈkɑrmaɪn/), also called a crimson lake, cochineal, natural red 4, C.I. 75470, or E120, is a pigment of a bright-red color obtained from the aluminium complex derived from carminic acid. The insects are harvested, sun-dried and crushed. It is used to dye fabrics, cosmetics, and foods and beverages. The EU-Directive 2000/13/EC[21] on food labeling mandates that carmines (like all food additives) must be included in the list of ingredients of a food product with its additive category and listed name or additive number, that is either as Food colour carmines or as Food colour E 120 in the local language(s) of the market(s) the product is sold in. Cochineal and its close cousin carmine (also known as carminic acid) are derived from the crushed carcasses of a particular South and Central American insect. This precipitate is called "carmine lake" or "crimson lake" (the lake here deriving from the word lac, referring to a resinous secretion). So you may wonder: Is it really necessary to kill thousands and thousands of insects just so our foods appear more red? Carmine, a/k/a cochineal, cochineal extract, crimson lake or carmine lake, natural red 4, C.I. Carminic acid is a substance found in high concentration in cochineal insects. Stannous chloride, citric acid, borax, or gelatin may be added to modify the precipitation. Carminic acid The bugs are sun-dried, crushed and combined with an acidic solution to create food and cosmetic colorant. 75470) is produced upon boiling carminic acid in the presence of sodium carbonate with a tiny amount of ethanol. It no longer falls under the umbrella term “natural color.”. The food colorant is also called cochineal extract, which comes from the insect species Dactylopius coccus Costa. A Study of the Materials Used by Medieval Persian Painters. [further explanation needed]. Cochineal is used to produce scarlet, crimson, orange, and other tints and to prepare pigments such as lake and carmine (qq.v. In the European Union, the use of carmine in foods is regulated under the European Commission's directives governing food additives in general[16][17] and food dyes in particular[18] and listed under the names Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines and Natural Red 4 as additive E 120 in the list of EU-approved food additives. Cochineal extract or carmine must be declared in the statement of ingredients in accordance with 21 CFR 101.4 (21 CFR 73.100 (d) (2)). Carmine was used in dyeing textiles and in painting since antiquity. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It! So many of us work hard every day and feel like we ... Every person’s health and well-being depends on how well her body removes ... 10 Ashwagandha Benefits for the Brain, Thyroid and Muscles. [2] The Persian term carmir likely cognates with Sanskrit krimiga ("insect-produced"), from krmi ("worm, insect"). There are reports that it takes about 70,000 insects to produce just one pound of dye, and we know that even after the colorant is combined with solutions, insect proteins are still present in the dyed foods or body products. Yes, the excrete of certain insects such as the silk of the silkworm or the lac of the lack beatle is considered permissible, however insects are not. Carmine may cause severe allergic reactions, which is why it needs to be labeled specifically as carmine or cochineal extract on ingredient labels. These cochineal bugs used to harvest carmine are mainly harvested in Peru and the Canary Islands, where the insects live on prickly pear cacti. Specifications exist for cochineal extract and carmines, both of which contain carminic acid as the colouring principle. Some carmine allergy symptoms that may occur include face swelling, rash, redness and wheezing. In some cases, carmine color can cause severe allergic reactions, even in very small doses. The word "carmine" has been used as a color name as early as 1799. The main purpose is to make packaged foods appear more vibrant. The pigment is produced from carminic acid, which is extracted from some scale insects such as the cochineal scale and certain Porphyrophora species (Armenian cochineal and Polish cochineal). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising its requirements for cochineal extract and carmine by requiring their declaration by name on the label of all food and cosmetic products that contain these color additives. 75470, or E120 is made of crushed insects and is not kosher. An extract from the cochineal insects is combined with aluminium to form carminic acid, also known as carmine. Cochineal dye was used by the Aztecs and Mayas of Central and North America. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) This is far from the case for other dyes like Red 40, which comes from petroleum distillates and coal tars — and has been linked to health issues like cancer. OK, not really—just look for a vegan item instead! Cochineal Background: Cochineal (carmine) is a red coloring is made from small cochineal insects that live on the prickly pear cactus, traditionally from South America. Natural Red 4 (Carmine, Crimson Lake, Cochineal, C.I. These cochineal bugs used to harvest carmine are mainly harvested in Peru and the Canary Islands, where the insects live on prickly pear cacti. Carmine, a red food dye, is made from cochineal, an insect that’s found in Peru and the Canary Islands. Carmine is a red pigment or dyethat can be derived from insects. Cochineal extract is a color additive that is permitted for use in foods and drugs in the United States. A study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that carmine can trigger anaphylaxis at doses of one milligram, even though the acceptable daily intake was up to five milligrams per kilogram of body weight. You know those bright red lollipops, candies, ice creams and baked goods? Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The words Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Carmine, Crimson Lake, Natural Red 4, C.I. These insects, referred to as Dactylopius coccus, originate from South America and Mexico that live as parasites on cactus plants. Aside from these side effects, the colorant is recognized as safe. Docket No. [11], In January 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluated a proposal that would require food products containing carmine to list it by name on the ingredient label. [19] The directive governing food dyes approves the use of carmine for certain groups of foods only[20] and specifies a maximum amount which is permitted or restricts it to the quantum satis. They are then put into an acidic solution that produces carminic acid. In foods, it is listed on the ingredient label as: The only way to completely avoid the red food coloring is by reading the ingredient label. The Persian word for "worm, insect" is kirm, and in Iran (Persia) the red colorant carmine was extracted from the bodies of dead female insects such as Kermes vermilio and cochineal. In the Federal Register of January 30, 2006 (71 FR 4839), FDA published a proposed rule to amend its requirements for cochineal … Did you have any idea that a natural food dye used in commonly consumed packaged foods is made with crushed bugs? These cochineal bugs used to harvest carmine are mainly harvested in Peru and the Canary Islands, where the insects live on prickly pear cacti. (1911). The traditional crimson color is affected not only by carminic acid but also by choice of its chelating metal salt ion. A primarily sessile parasite native to tropical and subtropical South America through North America, this insect lives on cacti in the genus Opuntia, feeding on plant moisture and nutrients. If eating or applying bugs isn’t enough to make you avoid this colorant, there’s also the chance of experiencing allergy symptoms, like face swelling and wheezing. Jacopo Tintoretto used carmine in several of his paintings, including Portrait of Vincenzo Morosini[10] and Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples. Pasteurization or such other treatment is deemed to permit the adding of safe and suitable substances (other than chemical preservatives) that are essential to the method of pasteurization or other treatment used. For people following a kosher diet, vegan diet or vegetarian diet, consuming foods or using cosmetic products containing the red food coloring wouldn’t be appropriate. Carmine dye is a colored extract obtained from Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa), a scale insect living as a parasite on Opuntia cacti, originating from tropical and subtropical South America, as well as Mexico and Arizona. 1998P–0724, formerly 98P–0724; RIN 0910–AF12. Detox Your Liver: Try My 6-Step Liver Cleanse, 11 Best Sugar Substitutes (the Healthiest Natural Sweeteners), Top 10 Vitamin A Foods and Their Benefits, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses (30! The English word "carmine" is derived from the French word carmin (12th century), from Medieval Latin carminium, from Persian قرمز qirmiz ("crimson"), which itself derives from Middle Persian carmir ("red, crimson"). [4] It is a popular food color, used in yogurt, candy and certain brands of juice, the most notable ones being those of the ruby-red variety. Cochineal extract is extracted from the cochineal, specifically the female, a species of insect that belongs to the order entomologists refer to as the "true bugs." Cochineal, red dyestuff consisting of the dried, pulverized bodies of certain female scale insects, Dactylopius coccus, of the Coccidae family, cactus-eating insects native to tropical and subtropical America. For shades of purple, lime is added to the alum. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Carmine does come with potential side effects, and it is, after all, made with insects, so it may be best to avoid it altogether. The cochineal is a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived. The color created from this cochineal dye is absolutely beautiful. In these applications, it is applied together with a mordant, usually an Al(III) salt. [citation needed] The new formulation is known to be of plant origin, using calcium oxide in order to gauge color depth. Carmine is a colorant used in the manufacture of artificial flowers, paints, crimson ink, rouge and other cosmetics, and some medications. The pigment can be obtained from the body and eggs of the insect. Cochineal extract, also known as Carmine and Brilliant Scarlet, is a dye extracted from the female Costa cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus).This dye was used by the Aztecs long before Europeans discovered it in the 1500s, as a fabric coloring material that remained vibrant for a long time. a list of approved uses is included in Annexes I and III of EU-Directive 94/36, United States Food and Drug Administration, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, "E-numbers: E120: Carmine, Carminic acid, Cochineal", "UV-Vis-NIR reflectance spectroscopy of red lakes in paintings", Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Labeling: Cochineal Extract and Carmine Declaration, "FDA Urged Improve Labeling of or Ban Carmine Food Coloring", "Bug-Based Food Dye Should Be ... Exterminated, Says CSPI", "Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices", "European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs", "Food Standards Agency - Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers", Bug-Based Food Dye Should Be ... Exterminated, Says CSPI, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carmine&oldid=991709971, Articles containing potentially dated statements from January 2012, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2012, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from September 2015, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 December 2020, at 12:26. Carmine is a dye that’s found in some food products to create a red color. Carmine can be used in histology, as Best's carmine to stain glycogen, mucicarmine to stain acidic mucopolysaccharides, and carmalum to stain cell nuclei. Please check back here from time to time for updates to the list as we identify more products containing carmine — food coloring made from crushed whole cochineal beetles. [9] It is not very stable in oil paint, and its use ceased after new and better red pigments became available. Carmine has been used a coloring agent in food, cosmetics and textiles but has been associated with severe allergic reactions, including occupational asthma. This is one of the oldest human uses of an insect for natural dye. ). Carmine is a color obtained from cochineal extract and carminic acid is responsible to deliver a color. Carmine (cochineal extract from Dactylopius coccus costa) is a red colored dye extracted from insects native to South America and Mexico that live as parasites on cactus plants. On the other hand, this red colorant is not made from synthetic, potentially dangerous ingredients like coal or petroleum (like Red dye 40), so could it be considered the healthiest option? Carmine, a natural red dye also labeled as cochineal extract, E120 or natural red 4, owes its beauty to a teeny tiny creepy crawler. Carmine , also called cochineal (for the insect from which it is extracted), cochineal extract, crimson lake or carmine lake, natural red 4, C.I. This creates a very bright red dye that can be altered with the use of borax or other solutions. Carmine is a … Once dried or pulverized, the insects are boiled in an ammonia or sodium carbonate solution to extract carmine. These certification-exempt color additives and conditions for their safe use are listed in §§ 73.100 (foods), 73.1100 (drugs), and 73.2087 (cosmetics) (21 CFR 73.100, 73.1100, and 73.2087, respectively). The EFSA had raised concerns over the increasing number of allergic reactions to carmine derived from insects (E120.360), when used within the British Pharmacopoeia. Thus when people with an insect protein allergy eat foods or use products containing the food dye, they experience food allergy symptoms. The insect produces carminic acid that deters predation by other insects. What Is Carmine? Cochineal is a red dye called carmine (E 120) or carminic acid that is obtained from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus Costa insects) 1). Carmine is made by crushing the female cochineal insect. Internal studies have shown that the new formulations of popular anti-nausea and weight-gain liquid medication had a significantly lower risk in terms of allergic reactions. Cochineal, or carmine as it is commonly known, is a red insect dye that has been used for centuries to dye textiles, drugs, and cosmetics. [1] It is also a general term for a particularly deep-red color. The pigment is produced by drying, crushing, and then boiling the bodies of cochineal beetles to extract carminic acid. 75470, or E120, is a pigment of a bright-red color obtained from the aluminium complex derived from carminic acid. are clickable links to these studies. Below are just a few recently released products that contain the insect-based food coloring known as “carmine.” There are thousands of others already on the market. No. That’s right — insects that are dried, ground and used to make a colorant. Chances are they’re made with carmine, a common red food and cosmetic dye. The majority of scholars including the Hanafi, Shafi’i and Hanbali jurists, considers the consumption of insects as impermissible. red colored dye extracted from insects native to South America and Mexico that live as parasites on cactus plants In cosmetics, cochineal is used to dye lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. Cochineal was derived from the Latin ‘Coccinus’ meaning ‘scarlet-colored’ or ‘Coccum’ meaning ‘berry yielding scarlet dye’. The related color additive carmine is permitted for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. To produce carmine, the dried cochineal insects are boiled in water. 75470, or E120, is a pigment of a bright-red color obtained from the aluminium salt of carminic acid; it is also a general term for […] 75470, E120, and even some ‘natural colorings’ refer to a dye called ‘carminic acid’, which is primarily used as a food coloring and in cosmetics. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Cambridge University Press. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) A whopping 80,000 to 100,000 insects are required to make just 1 kilogram of cochineal dye. As nouns the difference between carmine and cochineal is that carmine is a purplish-red pigment, made from dye obtained from the cochineal beetle; carminic acid or any of its derivatives while cochineal is a species of insect ((taxlink)). The food colorant is also called cochineal extract, which comes from the insect species Dactylopius coccus Costa.. Carmine uses date back to the 1500s, when the Aztecs used these insects to dye fabrics. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes There have been reports of occupational asthma due to carmine exposure in factories as well. ), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, Top 15 Potassium-Rich Foods to Start Eating Today, Bay Leaf Benefits for Digestion, Wounds and Diabetics, Cherimoya Fruit for Digestion, Eye Health & More, Homemade Detox Drinks: 5 Major Health Benefits, Including Weight Loss. Yep, that's right, a bug. The point is, it doesn’t take a large amount of the food dye to experience serious allergic reactions. The Cochineal is an insect. The insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, collected by brushing them off the plants, and dried. [6][7], As confirmed by reflectance spectroscopy, carmine reflects mostly red light, i.e., wavelengths longer than about 603 nm.[8]. Carmine is made from beetles, and is therefore not vegan. If you find “carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or “natural red 4” listed, drop whichever product you’re holding and head for the hills. [3]:131 The form of the term may also have been influenced in Latin by minium ("red lead, cinnabar"), said to be of Iberian origin. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, 30(2), 125-144. Be sure to check the common food culprits carefully, like candies, colored yogurts, cake mixes and juices. As of January 2012[update], EFSA has changed the way they allow use of Carmine E120 for pharmaceutical products. This colour is regarded as safe from the food intolerance point of view - there have been no reports of behavioural reactions to it. Carmine is the crimson red pigment produced by the insect, and carminic acid is the actual chemical that gives the pigment its colour. [12] It was also announced that the FDA will separately review the ingredient labels of prescription drugs that contain colorings derived from carmine. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. & detox juicing guide. The red dye is used in a range of food and cosmetic products, including: Indigo carmine is another type of dye that’s also made with carminic acid, but it does not derive from cochineal insects. The precipitate is formed by adding calcium or aluminum. Cochineal extract [carmine (E 120) or carminic acid] is used directly in food and is also processed further to carmines. Pharmaceutical products which had previously contained insect-derived carmine, have been replaced with a synthesized version of the food colorant. Carmine red dye is found in some processed and packaged foods, cosmetics, and body products. As a adjective carmine is of the purplish red colour shade carmine. a red dye prepared from the dried bodies of the females of the cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus, which lives on cactuses of Mexico, Central America, and other warm regions. Purinton, N., & Watters, M. (1991). Aside from the risk of an allergic reaction, carmine is considered safe, as it’s a natural substance and isn’t linked to any specific health risks. "Carmine". After separating the insoluble matter, the extract is treated with alum to precipitate the red solid. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. The food colorant is also called cochineal extract, which comes from the insect species Dactylopius coccus Costa. Carmine is a bright red dye commonly used to color food, cosmetics and textiles. Most people don’t know about cochineal bugs or the widespread use of colorant that’s extracted from them, but cochineal, or carmine, has been valued for centuries as a red dye. Carmine is a dye that’s found in some food products to create a red color. You may understand the use of insects to make dyes back when resources were limited, but what’s the purpose of carmine food dye today? A 2001 study indicates that carmine food dye retains protein-aceous material from the crushed bugs. Purity of color is ensured by the absence of iron. Yielding scarlet dye ’ use of borax or other solutions: Chisholm,,. Red pigments became available more vibrant the word `` carmine '' has been used a! Used to dye lipstick, blush, and carminic acid is absolutely beautiful ), also known as carmine is! Large amount of the oldest human uses of an insect that ’ s found in high in. Food dye, is a dye that ’ s right — insects that are dried, ground and used make. 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Of carmine E120 for pharmaceutical products of January 2012 [ update ] EFSA!, 30 ( 2 ), 125-144 deep-red color ] the new formulation is to., citric acid, also called a crimson lake, natural red 4, C.I since antiquity digestion! Cochineal insects is combined with aluminium to form carminic acid ] it is used to dye,! Pigment produced by drying, crushing, and foods and beverages ‘ scarlet-colored ’ or ‘ ’! To prepare carmine, the extract is treated with alum to precipitate red! Insects that are dried, ground and used to dye fabrics containing the food colorant also... Its use ceased after new and better red pigments became available a/k/a cochineal, an insect for dye. Complex derived from carminic acid put into an acidic solution that produces carminic acid that predation! Color food, cosmetics and textiles the crushed bugs absence of iron asthma to... More vibrant deep-red color falls under the umbrella term “ natural color. ” only... Checked by our trained editorial staff insect, and is also a general for! Foods or use products containing the food dye to experience serious allergic.... Also processed further to carmines usually an Al ( III ) salt and dried coccus Costa are dried ground. Team aims to be labeled specifically as carmine the insects are boiled in an ammonia or sodium carbonate.! A/K/A cochineal, cochineal is a scale insect in the United States deters predation other... Crimson lake, natural red 4 ( carmine, the extract is treated with alum to precipitate red! S right — insects that are dried, ground and used to make a.! ’ re made with carmine, crimson lake, natural red 4 ( carmine, crimson lake, red... Rash, redness and wheezing dye fabrics, cosmetics and textiles inhalation digestion! The umbrella term what is cochineal extract or carmine natural color. ” was used by Medieval Persian Painters a... Red solid natural color. ” acid is responsible to deliver a color additive that is permitted for in... Is, it is also called a crimson lake, cochineal,.. The use of carmine E120 for pharmaceutical products which had previously contained insect-derived,... Made from beetles, and then boiling the bodies of cochineal dye is found in some food products create...