nothing jumps off the shelves more than in smaller amounts to give blushes and product, the law won't be in effect until
jarred cherries dunked in bright red syrup rouges rosy tints. Though consumers may 2011 — and even then, still too few are
or cranberry juice with a fresh-off-the- revel in the glamour of a bright red aware of the compound’s origins.
vine hue. The food and drink industries pucker, few know that it’s the extract from Regardless, carmine remains one of
use a significant portion of carmine to a South American beetle their lips are the most common forms of food-coloring
color meats, jams, gelatins, icings and donning. used by manufacturers today. And while
even dairy products like yogurts and ice Though a study done by the Univer- the additive may pose little health risk to
cream. Pharmaceutical companies even sity of Michigan revealed high levels of the majority, it may be worth it for those
use the dye to give pills colored coatings. the additive could cause severe allergic disgusted by the thought of lunch with a
Bright and bold-colored consumables reactions in some, cases are rare. There- side of cochineal extract to scan labels
look fresh and appealing — hence why fore, as an extract approved by the FDA, for carmine under another of its five
carmine as an additive has become so carmine is safe — so manufacturers have names.
magnanimous in the aisles of your local little preventing them from using the
grocery store. compound (under an unrevealing nick- Sometimes brighter isn’t always better.
The cosmetic industry, too, has name) while a consumers are none-the-
worked to incorporate the stomach- wiser. Though a new ruling by the FDA
Written, by Kelly Thore, associate editor
turning additive into beauty must-haves. will require companies using the insect-
of Natural Triad and its SLOWER Network
Carmine in large portions can give lip- derived extract to clearly label either
of magazines. Kelly can be reached at
sticks a ruby-red tone, and can be used “cochineal extract” or “carmine” on each
kelly@naturaltriad.com.
MAY 2009
65
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