Effective January 5, 2011, the FDA will require all cochineal extract and carmine color additives to be included in the ingredient statement on food and cosmetic labels.  Currently these are usually listed as "artificial color."

In case you're not aware, cochineal extract and carmine are used to dye food, drinks and cosmetics various shades of red, orange, pink and purple, and are extracted from the dried bodies of the female cochineal bug.

The reason for the ruling is that cochineal/carmine food colorings can cause severe allergic reaction in people.

For further information, see:

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