Carmine(E120)
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources
Carmine is a colorant — Crimson pigment derived from scale insects; coloring for red applesauce, confections, baked goods, meats, spices
Also: Cochineal, Ponceau Red 4, Coccus cacti
What it does
Crimson pigment derived from scale insects; coloring for red applesauce, confections, baked goods, meats, spices
Where you'll see it
Red applesauce, confections, baked goods, meats, spices, candy, yogurt, fruit drinks
What the research says
Cochineal was involved in salmonellosis outbreak that killed one infant in Boston. Can cause life-threatening allergic reactions per University of Michigan researchers. Often listed as 'natural' on the label. Reportedly affects hyperactivity in young children.
[ultra-processed-people] Industrial red colour listed in Yollies — part of the broader colour-addition pattern. Van Tulleken's general concern about artificial colours is that products containing them must carry warning labels for adverse effects on children's attention and activity, yet they appear on products carrying Public Health England's 'Good Choice Change4Life' thumbs-up.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: ASP
- EU: approved
- Notes: British and European Parliament seeking to ban; reportedly affects hyperactivity in children
Sources
- Ultra-Processed People (van Tulleken) — Chapter 5 (footnote): colour (carmine), vitamin D
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): color additive extracted from dried bugs and used in candy, yogurt, fruit drinks, and other foods can cause life-threatening allergic reactions