View source for Carmine

{{Short description|Pigment, aluminium salt of carminic acid}}
{{About|the pigment|other uses|Carmine (disambiguation)}}
{{Chembox
| Reference      = <ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dapson |first1=RW |title=The history, chemistry and modes of action of carmine and related dyes |journal=Biotechnic & Histochemistry |date=January 2007 |volume=82 |issue=4–5 |pages=173–187 |doi=10.1080/10520290701704188 |pmid=18074265 }}</ref>	
| ImageFile      = Carmine.svg
| ImageClass     = skin-invert-image
| OtherNames     = {{Unbulleted list|carmine red|cochineal|crimson lake|carmine lake|Natural Red 4| C.I. 75470}}
| IUPACName      = 
| SystematicName = aluminium;calcium;1-methyl-3,5,6,8-tetraoxido-9,10-dioxo-7-[(2''S'',3''R'',4''R'',5''S'',6''R'')-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]anthracene-2-carboxylate
| Section1       = {{Chembox Identifiers
| CASNo = 1390-65-4
| PubChem = 102004931
| ChemSpiderID = 28296172
}}
| Section2       = {{Chembox Properties
| C=44|H=43|O=30|Al=1|Ca=2
| MeltingPtC = 298-300
| Solubility    = insoluble < pH 11	
}}	
}}
'''Carmine''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɑr|m|ə|n|,_|ˈ|k|ɑr|m|aɪ|n}}){{spaced en dash}}also called '''cochineal''' (when it is extracted from the [[Cochineal|cochineal insect]]), '''cochineal extract''', '''crimson [[Lake pigment|lake]]''', or '''carmine lake'''{{spaced en dash}} is a [[pigment]] of a bright-[[red]] color obtained from the aluminium [[coordination complex|complex]] derived from [[carminic acid]].<ref name=Dapson2007>{{cite journal |last1=Dapson |first1=R. W. |last2=Frank |first2=M. |last3=Penney |first3=D. P. |last4=Kiernan |first4=J. A. |title=Revised procedures for the certification of carmine (C.I. 75470, Natural red 4) as a biological stain |journal=Biotechnic & Histochemistry |volume=82 |issue=1 |pages=13–15 |year=2007 |pmid=17510809 |doi=10.1080/10520290701207364 }}</ref> Specific code names for the pigment include '''natural red 4''', '''[[Colour Index International|C.I.]]&nbsp;75470''', or '''[[E number|E120]]'''. ''Carmine'' is also a general term for a particularly [[carmine (color)|deep-red color]].

== Etymology ==
[[File:Dactylopius coccus (Barlovento) 04 ies.jpg|thumb|A cluster of ''[[Dactylopius coccus]]'' (cochineal scale) females growing in [[Barlovento, Santa Cruz de Tenerife|Barlovento]], [[Canary Islands]]]]

The English word "carmine" is derived from the French word ''carmin'' (12th century), from [[Medieval Latin]] ''carminium'', from [[Persian language|Persian]] {{lang|ar|قرمز}} ''qirmiz'' ("crimson") and from [[Armenian language|Armenian]] կարմիր/carmir ("red"), which both derive from [[Middle Persian]] ''carmir'' ("red, crimson").<ref name="pahlavidic">{{cite book|last=Mackenzie |first=D. |date=1971 |title=A Concise Pahlavi Dictionary |pages=50–51 |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> The Persian term ''carmir'' is likely cognate with [[Sanskrit]] ''krimiga'' ("insect-produced"), from ''krmi'' ("worm, insect"). The Persian word for "worm, insect" is ''kirm'', and in [[Iran]] ([[Name of Iran|Persia]]) the red colorant carmine was extracted from the bodies of dead female insects such as ''[[Kermes vermilio]]'' and [[cochineal]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Purinton |first1=Nancy |last2=Waiters |first2=Mark |title=A Study of the Materials Used by Medieval Persian Painters |journal=Journal of the American Institute for Conservation |date=January 1991 |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=125–144 |doi=10.1179/019713691806066728 |jstor=3179526 }}</ref>{{rp|131}} The form of the term may also have been influenced in Latin by ''minium'' ("[[red lead]], [[cinnabar]]"), said to be of Iberian origin. 

The word "carmine" has been used as a color name as early as 1799.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=carmine |title=Online Etymology Dictionary |publisher=Etymonline.com |access-date=2013-10-04}}</ref> It is a popular food color, used in [[yogurt]], [[candy]], [[gelatin]], [[meat]], and beverages including fruit juices.<ref name="MarketWatch">{{cite news |title=Carmine Market: Global Size, Demand, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2022-2027 |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/carmine-market-global-size-demand-share-trends-analysis-growth-and-forecast-2022-2027-2022-02-01 |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=MarketWatch |date=February 1, 2022 |language=EN-US}}</ref><ref name="Miller">{{cite journal |last1=Miller |first1=Brittney J. |title=Cochineal, a red dye from bugs, moves to the lab |journal=Knowable Magazine |date=25 March 2022 |doi=10.1146/knowable-032522-1 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Pearson">{{cite magazine |last1=Pearson |first1=Gwen |title=You Know What Makes Great Food Coloring? Bugs |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/09/cochineal-bug-feature/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |magazine=Wired |date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>

== History ==
Female ''[[Dactylopius coccus]]'' (cochineal) insects were used for their red coloring power as early as 700 BC. American civilizations (from the American continent) crushed the bugs present on cacti to extract the carmine they contain. Carmine pigment was extensively used by the [[Aztec]] civilization to dye textiles. It was imported later to Europe during the 16th century.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=255}}

Red is a color often associated with power and social status. Through the centuries, red has been worn by tribal chiefs, kings and queens, and military officers.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=166}}

Cochineal was a major source of income for the Spanish Crown. By weight, it was a far more valuable commodity than sugar, making it especially lucrative for overseas trade. As part of the [[triangular trade]], its production and consumption were intertwined with slavery.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=64}}

In European markets, the Spanish Crown had a monopoly on cochineal until 1820 when the French learned to cultivate them. Later, German and British scientists created a synthetic red dye that competed with carmine. The combination of these factors contributed to the end of the Spanish monopoly and considerably lowered the price of carmine, making it accessible to a wider audience.{{Cn|date=April 2023}}

==Production==
{{Missing information|section|synthetic production (claimed to exist in later passage on EU medicine use)|date=June 2022}}

The pigment is produced from [[carminic acid]], which is extracted from some [[scale insect]]s such as the [[cochineal]] scale (''Prima''), and certain ''[[Porphyrophora]]'' species ([[Armenian cochineal]] and [[Polish cochineal]]). Attempts have been made to [[Cochineal#Farming|farm cochineal]].

Carmine is a colorant used in the manufacture of artificial flowers, paints, [[crimson]] ink, rouge and other cosmetics, and some medications.<ref>{{Ullmann |doi=10.1002/14356007.a20_371|title=Pigments, Organic|year=2000|last1=Hunger|first1=Klaus|last2=Herbst|first2=Willy}}</ref>

Synthetic carminic acid is complex and expensive to produce. Therefore, natural cochineal carmine is predominant on the market. Its instability presents challenges for use in art and textiles, but this is less of a hindrance in the context of cosmetics.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=263}} As its synthetic production is still largely experimental, ongoing research focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of the synthetic pathways.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Frandsen |first1=Rasmus J. N. |last2=Khorsand-Jamal |first2=Paiman |last3=Kongstad |first3=Kenneth T. |last4=Nafisi |first4=Majse |last5=Kannangara |first5=Rubini M. |last6=Staerk |first6=Dan |last7=Okkels |first7=Finn T. |last8=Binderup |first8=Kim |last9=Madsen |first9=Bjørn |last10=Møller |first10=Birger Lindberg |last11=Thrane |first11=Ulf |last12=Mortensen |first12=Uffe H. |display-authors=3|title=Heterologous production of the widely used natural food colorant carminic acid in Aspergillus nidulans |journal=Scientific Reports |date=27 August 2018 |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=12853 |doi=10.1038/s41598-018-30816-9 |pmid=30150747 |pmc=6110711 |bibcode=2018NatSR...812853F }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-100371-8.00018-X |chapter=The 'Carmine Problem' and Potential Alternatives |title=Handbook on Natural Pigments in Food and Beverages |date=2016 |last1=Müller-Maatsch |first1=J. |last2=Gras |first2=C. |pages=385–428 |isbn=978-0-08-100371-8 }}</ref>

=== Preparation ===
To prepare carmine, the powdered scale insect bodies are boiled in an [[ammonia]] or [[sodium carbonate]] solution. After separating the insoluble matter, the extract is treated with [[alum]] to precipitate the red solid. This precipitate is called "carmine lake" or "crimson lake". Purity of color is ensured by the absence of [[iron]]. [[Stannous chloride]], [[citric acid]], [[borax]], or [[gelatin]] may be added to modify the precipitation. The traditional crimson color is affected not only by carminic acid but also by choice of its chelating metal salt ion. For [[shades of purple]], [[limewater|lime]] is added to the alum.<ref name="tym">{{cite web |publisher=Threads In Tyme |title=Important Dates in Fabric History |work=Time Line of Fabric Information |url=http://threadsintyme.tripod.com/id63.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040823105609/http://threadsintyme.tripod.com/id63.htm |archive-date=2004-08-23}}{{self-published inline|date=January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.food-info.net/uk/e/e120.htm |title=E-numbers: E120: Carmine, Carminic acid, Cochineal |publisher=Food-Info.net |access-date=2013-10-04}}</ref>

To obtain {{convert|1|lb|abbr=off}} of red dye, 70,000 cochineal insects are required.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=82}}

<gallery mode=packed>
File:Cochinel Zapotec nests.jpg|[[Zapotec civilization|Zapotec]] [[cochineal]] [[nest]]s on ''[[Opuntia ficus-indica]]'' host [[cacti]]
File:Pseudorhabdosynochus morrhua.jpg|upright|Use of carmine as a [[staining (biology)|staining]] agent in [[histology]] (here on a [[flatworm]])
</gallery>

==Identification and characteristics ==
[[File:Carminic acid structure.svg|thumb|class=skin-invert-image|Carminic acid structure]]
[[File:Carmine.svg|thumb|right|class=skin-invert-image|Structure proposed for carmine.]]
Scientists can detect the presence of carminic acid through liquid chromatography and a diode array detector combined with a mass spectrometer with a quadruple-time-of-flight analyzer (LC-DAD-QTOF). The process is used for identifying carmine in works of art.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=102}}

Scientific methods can also distinguish among the different species of cochineal used in artworks.{{Cn|date=April 2023}}

=== Wavelength ===
As confirmed by [[Spectroscopy|reflectance spectroscopy]], carmine reflects mostly red light. Its [[hue]] ranges from a vibrant red with a [[Dominant wavelength|dominant wavelength]] of 612 nm to a dark purplish red with a [[Dominant wavelength#Complementary wavelength|complementary wavelength]] of 497 nm.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=264}}

=== Hue ===
The hue of carmine is dependent on the metallic ions present in the pigment. For instance, carmine combined with zinc or aluminium yields a crimson hue.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=266}}

=== Translucence ===
The translucence of carmine depends on its binding medium. Mixed with oil, carmine remains translucent and adequate for glazes. Combined with [[tempera]] or glue, carmine turns opaque.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=264}}

=== Value ===
On the [[Munsell color system|Munsell color]] scale, carmine's value can range between 3.32 and 6.35.{{sfn|Schweppe|Roosen-Runge|1986|p=264}}

== Permanence ==
Carmine is a fugitive color, whose fading is influenced by different factors such as light, humidity, or even the color of the glass of a frame.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Brommelle |first=N. S. |date=1964 |title=The Russell and Abney Report on the Action of Light on Water Colours |journal=Studies in Conservation |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=140–152 |doi=10.2307/1505213 |jstor=1505213 }}</ref>{{Rp|page=|pages=140-152}} It is highly sensitive to light and tends to fade into brownish tones.<ref name=":2"/>{{Rp|page=|pages=141-144}}

In painting, its durability depends on the type of binding. For instance, pigments are more stable if mixed with linseed oil rather than with [[gum arabic]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Miyamoto |first=Bénédicte |date=2019 |title=Significant Red: Watercolour and the Uses of Red Pigments in Military and Architectural Conventions |url=https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01970069 |journal=XVII-XVIII Revue de la Société d'études anglo-américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles |language=en |volume=75}}</ref>{{Rp|page=1}} It is especially sensitive to light in watercolor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pigments through the Ages - Technical Information - Carmine lake |url=https://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/indiv/technical/carmine.html |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=www.webexhibits.org}}</ref> Carmine can be stabilized when precipitated with alum and when combined with tin salt mordants.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Merrifield |first=Mary P |title=Original Treatises, Dating from the xiith to the xviith Centuries, [o]n the Arts of Painting |publisher=Dover, 1967 |year=1849 |location=New York}}</ref>{{Rp|pages=698-9}}

== Notable occurrences in art ==
Carmine was used in dyeing textiles and in painting since antiquity. Numerous examples are found among Inca remains such as textile artifacts. The Aztecs also used carmine.

In Europe, the 16th century Italian painter [[Tintoretto|Jacopo Tintoretto]] used carmine in several of his paintings, the most notable being ''Portrait of Vincenzo Morosini'' (1575-80) and ''Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples''(1575-80).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tintoretto, Portrait of Vincenzo Morosini |url=https://colourlex.com/project/tintoretto-portrait-of-vincenzo-morosini/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=ColourLex |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tintoretto, Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples |url=https://colourlex.com/project/tintoretto-christ-washing-the-feet-of-the-disciples/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=ColourLex |language=en-US}}</ref>

Carmine was also used by nineteenth-century artists such as [[Vincent van Gogh]] in ''[[Bedroom in Arles]]'' (1889). The floor of the bedroom is painted with carmine cochineal lake, geranium lake and indigo. This produced a reddish color, which over time changed to blueish.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Van Gogh, Bedrom in Arles |url=https://colourlex.com/project/van-gogh-bedroom-in-arles/ |access-date=2023-04-09 |website=ColourLex |language=en-US}}</ref> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Analysis of [[J. M. W. Turner]]'s palettes found that he used cochineal carmine.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Townsend |first=Joyce H. |date=1993 |title=The Materials of J. M. W. Turner: Pigments |journal=Studies in Conservation |volume=38 |issue=4 |pages=231–254 |doi=10.2307/1506368 |jstor=1506368 }}</ref> The fading of this pigment affected the appearance of the sky in ''[[The Fighting Temeraire]]'' (1839).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Palettes of the masters: JMW Turner |url=https://www.winsornewton.com/row/articles/art-history/palettes-masters-jmw-turner/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Winsor & Newton - ROW |language=en-GB}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed>
File:Slit tapestry shirt fragment, Peru, Chancay, central coast, c. 1000-1470 AD, alpaca wool dyed with saffron, cochineal, and indigo - Krannert Art Museum, UIUC - DSC06400.jpg|Tapestry shirt fragment, Peru, Chancay, c. 1000-1470 AD
File:Jacopo Tintoretto - Christ washing the Feet of the Disciples - Google Art Project.jpg|Jacopo Tintoretto, ''Christ Washing the Feet of The Disciples'' (1575-80)
File:Jacopo Tintoretto - Portrait of Vincenzo Morosini - WGA22697.jpg|Jacopo Tintoretto, ''Portrait of Vincenzo Morosini'' (1575-80)
File:Vincent's Bedroom in Arles - My Dream.jpg|Vincent Van Gogh, ''Bedroom at Arles'' (1889)
File:The Fighting Temeraire, JMW Turner, National Gallery.jpg|JMW Turner, ''The Fighting Temeraire'' (1839)
</gallery>

== Other uses ==
=== Cartography ===
[[File:Lille - Citadelle et Port Vauban – Plan de 1892.jpg|thumb|Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban, Plan of Lille's Citadelle and harbour]]
Carmine red has been used in military cartography at least since the 17th century. [[Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban]], General Engineer of France, recommended the use of this red pigment to represent fortifications (ramparts, wood timbers, and brick buildings being reddish).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vauban |first=Sebastien Le Prestre |title=Directeur général des fortifications, par Monsieur de Vauban, Ingénieur Général de France. |publisher=Van Bulderen |year=1685 |location=La Haye}}</ref>{{Rp|pages=70-71}} This made buildings more distinct on maps<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gautier |first=Hubert |title=L'art de laver: ou la nouvelle manière de peindre sur le papier: suivant le coloris des desseins qu'on envoye a la cour. |publisher=Thomas Amaulry |year=1687 |location=Lyon}}</ref>{{Rp|page=104}}

=== Cosmetics ===
Carmine is present in numerous cosmetics because of its red color. This use has continued from antiquity to the present.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=29}} It can be found in lipstick, eye shadow, nail polish. It may cause allergies.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sadowska |first1=Beata |last2=Sztormowska |first2=Marlena |last3=Gawinowska |first3=Marika |last4=Chełmińska |first4=Marta |date=2022 |title=Carmine allergy in urticaria patients |journal=Advances in Dermatology and Allergology |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=94–100 |doi=10.5114/ada.2020.100821 |pmc=8953891 |pmid=35369613 }}</ref>

=== Histology ===
Carmine can be used in [[histology]], as ''Best's carmine'' to stain [[glycogen]], ''mucicarmine'' to stain acidic [[mucopolysaccharide]]s, and ''carmalum'' to stain [[cell nucleus|cell nuclei]]. In these applications, it is applied together with a [[mordant]], usually an [[aluminium|Al(III)]] salt.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

=== Medicine ===
Cochineal, the insect used to make carmine, also has medical properties that were exploited by the Aztecs.{{sfn|Padilla|Anderson|2015|p=30}} It is said to help cure wounds when mixed with vinegar and applied to lesions. Aztecs used it to clean teeth.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

=== Regulations for use in foods ===
[[File:Dactylopius coccus 02.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|Extract of carmine was used from the Middle Ages until the 19th century to make [[crimson]] dye. Now it is used as a coloring for [[yogurt]] and other food products.]]

==== United States ====
In January 2006, the [[Food and Drug Administration|United States Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) evaluated a proposal that would require food products containing carmine to list it by name on the ingredient label.<ref>Docket No. 1998P–0724, formerly 98P–0724; RIN 0910–AF12. [http://docs.regulations.justia.com/entries/2006-01-30/E6-1104.pdf Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification; Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Labeling: Cochineal Extract and Carmine Declaration].</ref> It was also announced that the FDA will separately review the ingredient labels of prescription drugs that contain colorings derived from carmine. A request from the [[Center for Science in the Public Interest]] urging the FDA to require ingredient labels to explicitly state that carmine is derived from insects and may cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock was declined by the FDA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cspinet.org/new/carmine_8_24_98.htm |title=FDA Urged Improve Labeling of or Ban Carmine Food Coloring |publisher=Cspinet.org |date=1998-08-24 |access-date=2013-10-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002094053/http://www.cspinet.org/new/carmine_8_24_98.htm |archive-date=2013-10-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cspinet.org/new/200605011.html |title=Bug-Based Food Dye Should Be ... Exterminated, Says CSPI |publisher=Cspinet.org |date=2006-05-01 |access-date=2013-10-04 |archive-date=2006-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060602070632/http://www.cspinet.org/new/200605011.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Food industries were aggressively opposed to the idea of writing "insect-based" on the label, and the FDA agreed to allow "cochineal extract" or "carmine".<ref>{{cite web |title=Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices |publisher= US Food & Drug Administration |date=November 2017 |url=https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additive-inventories/summary-color-additives-use-united-states-foods-drugs-cosmetics-and-medical-devices |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612180639/https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additive-inventories/summary-color-additives-use-united-states-foods-drugs-cosmetics-and-medical-devices |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |access-date= 10 August 2020 }}</ref>

==== European Union ====
In the [[European Union]] (EU), the use of carmine in foods is regulated under the [[European Commission]]'s directives governing food additives in general<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foodlaw.rdg.ac.uk/additive.htm |title=Food Additives in Europe |publisher=Foodlaw.rdg.ac.uk |access-date=2013-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food/eu_docs/Food_additives/General_provisions/Dir%20292.97%20EC.pdf |title=Directive 292.97 EC |access-date=2007-01-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070123071923/http://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food/eu_docs/Food_additives/General_provisions/Dir%20292.97%20EC.pdf |archive-date=2007-01-23 }}</ref> and food dyes in particular<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fsai.ie/uploadedFiles/European_Parliament_and_Council_Directive_94_36_EC.pdf |title=European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs |publisher=Food Safety authority of Ireland |access-date=2013-10-04 |archive-date=2013-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010201/http://www.fsai.ie/uploadedFiles/European_Parliament_and_Council_Directive_94_36_EC.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and listed under the names ''Cochineal'', ''Carminic acid'', ''Carmines'' and ''Natural Red 4'' as additive E 120 in the [[E number|list of EU-approved food additives]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist |title=Food Standards Agency - Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers |publisher=Food.gov.uk |date=2012-03-14 |access-date=2013-10-04}}</ref> The directive governing food dyes approves the use of carmine for certain groups of foods only<ref>a list of approved uses is included in Annexes I and III of EU-Directive 94/36 [http://www.fsai.ie/uploadedFiles/European_Parliament_and_Council_Directive_94_36_EC.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010201/http://www.fsai.ie/uploadedFiles/European_Parliament_and_Council_Directive_94_36_EC.pdf|date=2013-10-05}}</ref> and specifies a maximum amount which is permitted or restricts it to the [[quantum satis]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The EU-Directive 2000/13/EC<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food/eu_docs/Labelling/General%20Labelling%20Provisions%20for%20Foodstuffs/Dir%202000.13%20EC.pdf |title=Directive 2000.13 EC |access-date=2007-01-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208095139/http://www.fsai.ie/legislation/food/eu_docs/Labelling/General%20Labelling%20Provisions%20for%20Foodstuffs/Dir%202000.13%20EC.pdf |archive-date=2006-12-08 }}</ref> on food labeling mandates that carmines (like all food additives) must be included in the list of ingredients of a food product with its additive category and listed name or additive number, that is either as ''Food colour carmines'' or as ''Food colour E 120'' in the local language(s) of the market(s) the product is sold in.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

{{As of|2012|01}}, EFSA has changed the way they allow use of Carmine E120 for pharmaceutical products. The EFSA had raised concerns over the increasing number of allergic reactions to carmine derived from insects (E120.360), when used within the ''[[British Pharmacopoeia]]''. Pharmaceutical products which had previously contained insect-derived carmine, have been replaced with a synthesized version of the food colorant. Internal studies have shown that the new formulations of popular anti-nausea and weight-gain liquid medication had a significantly lower risk in terms of allergic reactions.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} The new formulation is known to be of plant origin, using [[calcium oxide]] to gauge color depth.{{elucidate|date=September 2015}}

==See also==
* [[Red pigments]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Padilla |editor1-first=Carmella |editor2-last=Anderson |editor2-first=Barbara Christine |title=A Red Like No Other: How Cochineal Colored the World : an Epic Story of Art, Culture, Science, and Trade |date=2015 |publisher=Skira/Rizzoli |isbn=978-0-8478-4643-6 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Schweppe |first1=Helmut |last2=Roosen-Runge |first2=Heinz |chapter=Carmine—Cochineal Carmine and Kermes Carmine |pages=255–283 |editor1-last=Feller |editor1-first=Robert L. |title=Artists' Pigments: A Handbook of Their History and Characteristics |volume=1 |date=1986 |publisher=National Gallery of Art |isbn=978-0-521-30374-3 |url=https://www.nga.gov/content/dam/ngaweb/research/publications/pdfs/artists-pigments-vol1.pdf }}

; Attribution
* {{EB1911|wstitle=Carmine}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite thesis |last=Dutton |first=LaVerne M. |title=Cochineal: A Bright Red Animal Dye |url=http://www.cochineal.info/ |type=Master's degree |publisher=Baylor University |access-date=November 13, 2010 }}
* {{Cite book |last=Greenfield |first=Amy Butler |year=2005 |title=A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire |url=https://archive.org/details/perfectred00amyb_0 |url-access=registration |location=New York |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-052275-9}}

==External links==
{{Insects in culture}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Animal dyes]]
[[Category:Food colorings]]
[[Category:Insect products]]
[[Category:Biological pigments]]
[[Category:Organic pigments]]
[[Category:Staining dyes]]
[[Category:Polyketides]]
[[Category:Insects as food]]