Tag: Natural red dye

There is no single code for red dye; instead, various codes identify different red food colorings depending on their composition and country of regulation. The most prominent codes consumers encounter include FD&C Red No. 40 in the United States and the European E-number system, which distinguishes between synthetic and natural colorants.

A single pound of carmine pigment requires the crushing of approximately 70,000 cochineal insects, a fact that highlights why carmine is a non-vegan ingredient derived from animals. Because of its insect origin, the term "vegan carmine" is a contradiction, serving only as a shorthand for the ethical, animal-free red colorants that manufacturers are increasingly adopting as replacements.

Carmine, a brilliant red pigment with a history spanning centuries, is derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects that live on prickly pear cacti. This natural dye, known for its vibrant and stable coloration, offers specific benefits that continue its use across various modern industries.

Carmine, derived from crushed cochineal insects, can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. This has led to a growing demand for a good alternative to carmine CI 75470, which is also popular for its vegan and clean-label credentials.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health bodies, carmine is generally considered safe for consumption by most people. However, this natural red dye, derived from crushed cochineal insects, is a known allergen that can cause severe reactions in a small number of individuals. This raises a critical question: is carmine red toxic for everyone, or only those with specific sensitivities?