E 120 - Natural Carmine

Properties: E 120 - Natural Carmine

True Carmine, also known as E 120, is a red food coloring obtained from the dried and powdered cochineal scale insects (Dactylopius coccus). Here are some of its properties:

• Color: True Carmine imparts a vivid red color to foods. The intensity of the color can vary depending on the concentration of the coloring agent, ranging from a pale pink to a deep red.

• Natural Origin: Unlike synthetic dyes, True Carmine is derived from a natural source, namely the cochineal scale insects. This can be seen as an advantage, especially for consumers who prefer natural ingredients.

• Stability: True Carmine is generally relatively stable against heat, light, and pH changes, making it suitable for a variety of applications in foods.

• Versatile Application: The coloring agent is used in a wide range of foods, including sweets, desserts, beverages, baked goods, and meat products to give them a red color.

• Compliance with Regulations: The use of True Carmine is regulated in many countries, and food manufacturers must ensure they comply with legal requirements regarding the use and labeling of this coloring agent.

• Potential Allergenicity: Although True Carmine comes from a natural source, some individuals may be allergic to it. People with allergies to certain foods or ingredients should carefully check food labels.

• Vegan and Vegetarian Concerns: Since True Carmine is derived from insects, it is not suitable for vegan diets and can also be avoided by some vegetarians who do not wish to consume animal products.

Overall, True Carmine is a popular natural coloring agent that is widely used in the food industry due to its vibrant color and versatile applications.

Origin: E 120 - Natural Carmine

The origin of True Carmine, also known as E 120, lies in the cochineal scale insects (Dactylopius coccus). These tiny insects live on certain cactus species, particularly on Opuntia cacti, which are native to regions such as Central and South America as well as the Canary Islands.

To produce True Carmine, the female cochineal scale insects are harvested and dried. Subsequently, they are ground or extracted to obtain a red pigment known as True Carmine.

The extraction of True Carmine from cochineal scale insects is a traditional process that has been practiced for centuries. The cochineal insects contain natural pigments responsible for their bright red color, and these pigments are obtained through the extraction or grinding of the insect bodies.

Due to the fact that True Carmine originates from a natural source, it is often considered a natural pigment. However, it is important to note that some people may have ethical concerns regarding the use of insects or animal products, which has led to alternatives in the food industry.

Uses: E 120 - Natural Carmine

True Carmine, also known as E 120, is frequently used as a food coloring due to its bright red color. Here are some of the most common applications of True Carmine:

• Foods: True Carmine is used in a variety of foods to give them a red color. This includes sweets such as candies, gummy bears, jellies, and fruit gums as well as desserts like ice cream, pudding, yogurt, and baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries.

• Beverages: True Carmine is also used in various beverages, particularly in fruit juices, sodas, sports drinks, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages to give them a red color.

• Meat Products: In some meat products like sausages, ham, and hot dogs, True Carmine is used as a coloring agent to make them visually more appealing.

• Baked Goods: In baked goods such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and pies, True Carmine can be used to color certain parts or decorations red.

• Dairy Products: Some dairy products like yogurt, quark, and desserts may also contain True Carmine to give them a red color.

• Cosmetics: True Carmine is also used in the cosmetics industry, particularly in lipsticks, lip glosses, rouge, and other makeup products to give them a red color.

It is important to note that True Carmine is derived from cochineal scale insects and therefore is not suitable for vegan diets. Some people also have ethical concerns regarding the use of insects or animal products, which has led to alternatives in the food and cosmetics industries.

Storage: E 120 - Natural Carmine

True Carmine (E 120) should be stored according to the applicable regulations and manufacturer's instructions to ensure its quality and stability. Here are some general recommendations for storing True Carmine:

• Dryness: True Carmine should be stored in a dry environment to avoid moisture effects. Moisture can lead to clumping and impair the quality of the colorant.

• Cool: It is advisable to store True Carmine at cool temperatures to ensure the stability of the colorant. Storage at room temperature or below is generally recommended.

• Light Protection: The colorant should be protected from direct sunlight as light can accelerate the breakdown of colorants. Lightproof packaging or storage in a dark container can help protect the colorant from light.

• Airtight Sealing: True Carmine should be kept in an airtight container or airtight packaging to minimize contact with air. This can contribute to reducing oxidation processes and maintaining the stability of the colorant.

• Separate Storage: It is advisable to store True Carmine separately from strongly scented or aromatic substances to avoid unwanted transfer of aromas or odors.

• Monitor Expiry Date: It is important to monitor the expiry date of True Carmine and use older stocks before newer ones to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the colorant.

By following these storage recommendations, you can contribute to maintaining the quality and stability of True Carmine during its storage. It is also advisable to adhere to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, which may be indicated on the packaging of the colorant.

Health: E 120 - Natural Carmine

The use of True Carmine (E 120) as a food coloring has raised concerns regarding potential impacts on health in some cases. Here are some important points:

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to True Carmine. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include skin rashes, itching, swelling in the face or breathing difficulties. People with known allergies to insect products or cochineal scale insects should avoid using True Carmine.

• Vegetarian and Vegan Concerns: Since True Carmine is derived from cochineal scale insects, it is not suitable for a vegan diet and may also be avoided by some vegetarians who do not wish to consume animal products.

• Ethics: Some people have ethical concerns regarding the use of insects or animal products in food and cosmetics. This has led to an increasing demand for vegan alternatives.

• Carcinogenic Potentials: There is no conclusive evidence that True Carmine causes cancer. Most toxicological studies have shown that the coloring does not present an increased cancer risk at normal consumption or application levels.

• Regulation and Safety: True Carmine is classified as safe for human consumption by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), when used in approved amounts.

It is important to emphasize that most people can consume True Carmine without issues, and food additives like this are tested for safety by regulatory bodies before they may be used in foods. Nonetheless, it is advisable to consume food additives in moderation and monitor possible allergic reactions. Individuals with known allergies or ethical concerns should possibly avoid using products containing True Carmine or limit their consumption and consult a doctor if necessary.

Season of E 120 - Natural Carmine:

E 120, also known as True Carmine, is a food coloring obtained from cochineal scale insects. Unlike seasonal products, True Carmine has no specific season because it is independent of certain growth or harvest times of plants or animals. However, the production of True Carmine can show seasonal fluctuations that are related to the natural life cycles of the cochineal scale insects from which the coloring is obtained. Generally, True Carmine can be produced and used all year round as the cochineal scale insects can be bred under controlled conditions.

Origin of E 120, True Carmine

The use of carmine has been documented for a long time. In Europe, the use of this natural colorant can be traced back to the Iron Age and beyond. The pigment, also known as cochineal, is obtained from dried female scale insects. To produce 1 kg of carmine, approximately 100,000 scale insects are required.

Usage of True Carmine

E 120 is primarily used as a colorant in the beverage industry. For example, until 2006, the popular aperitif Campari received its dark red color through the use of true carmine. Candies are also often colored with the intense red of E120. However, there are now cheaper synthetic substitute colorants available, leading to a decline in the use of carmine.

Risks of E 120

The food additive E 120 is considered largely harmless. Although cases of allergies from consuming carmine have been observed, such as asthma attacks being reported, it is assumed that these observed allergies are more likely due to proteins with which the substance was contaminated. Whether the available protein-free true carmine has allergenic potential remains unclear.