Cochineal

Synonyms

Cochineal (dye); Cochineal concentrate -7-fold; Cochineal concentrate type M; Cochineal concentrate type P; Cochineal solution; Cochineal tincture; ENJI; Cochineal, dye; [ChemIDplus] Cochineal silver grain GPR; [Merck Eurolab MSDS]

Category

Animal-Derived Allergens

Description

Red powder; [TCI America MSDS] Silver-grey dried insects; [Merck Eurolab MSDS]

Sources/Uses

"TSCA Definition 2008: Extractives and their physically modified derivatives such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, inorganic ions, etc. obtained from Coccidae." [ChemIDplus] Extract from the dried bodies of female Dactylopius coccus Costa insects; Used directly in foods and further processed to carmines; [JECFA]

Comments

Carminic acid is the coloring principle; Reports of occupational asthma in the food industry, cosmetics industry, and from extraction of carmine from insects; [JECFA] May cause irritation; [TCI America MSDS] See "Carmine" and "Carminic acid."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational