Cochineal Extract and Carmine to be Listed on Labels

Tara Parker-Pope reports in the New York Times Well Blog that the FDA has finalized a rule, effective in 2011, requiring that all food and cosmetic products containing cochineal extract and carmine state those ingredients on the label. The FDA's final rule on this--which may be viewed at http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ (and then enter 1998-P-0032 in the search box)--states "This final rule responds to reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to cochineal extract-containing food and carmine containing food and cosmetics and will allow consumers who are allergic to these color additives to identify and thus avoid products that contain these color additives. This action also responds to a citizen petition submitted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)." Cochineal extract and carmine are red coloring additives derived from the female cochineal bug.