E120 - Cochineal

E120 - COCCINIGLIA, CARMINIC ACID, VARIOUS TYPES OF CARMINE

They are natural dyes obtained from an insect, the Cocci cacti (cochineal), which lives at the expense of a species of cactus ( Napalea coccinillifera ) present in Peru and the Canary Islands. The extraction of the carmine color takes place from the dried eggs of the insect (the so-called coccinea extract is obtained) or by drying the insect directly (a more intense and brilliant shade of color is obtained). However, in both cases, the color obtained is very stable and is used in the production of some red, purple or pink candies, in yoghurts, marzipan, jellies, ice creams, soft drinks, liqueurs, in Bitter Campari, in medicinal sugared almonds and in cosmetics.

It is important to emphasize that the natural origin of a product is not always a guarantee of good tolerability on the part of consumers. It is precisely the case of these dyes, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, ranging from skin eruptions to anaphylactic shock. In the United States, some consumer associations have expressly asked the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that carminic acid and compounds similar to it are expressly declared on the label and that, to protect close vegetarian consumers, the animal origin. Other insects used are Porphyrophyra hamelis, Kermes ilicis, Margaroides polonia and Laccifera lacco .

The results of research on long-term side effects on the reproductive system and metabolism, however, are not yet available, but there is a risk that it may be carcinogenic; therefore for primary prevention the administration of the cochineal dye to children is not recommended.

ADI DOSE: 5 mg per kg of body weight

E100	E101	E101a	E102	E104	E110	E120	E122
E123	E124	E127	E128	E129	E131	E132	E133
E140	E141	E142	E150a	E150b	E150c	E150d	E151
E153	E154	E155	E160a	E160b	E160c	E160d	E160e
E160f	E161	E161a	E161b	E161c	E161d	E161e	E161f
E161g	E162	E163	E170	E171	E172	E173	E174
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