Guidance for carmine labeling
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
FDA offers guidance for small businesses on declaring and labeling cochineal extract and carmine in food and cosmetic products. Published in the April 30 Federal Register, the small entity compliance guide describes "in plain language" the requirements of a final rule issued in January, under which companies must declare the presence of carmine and cochineal extract in labeling for foods and cosmetic products that contain them. Rule goes into effect Jan. 5, 2011. Carmine and cochineal extract are bright-red pigments used in makeup and nail polish, among other products; both are derived from insects. Action is being taken to alert consumers who are allergic to the substances or otherwise want to avoid them (1"The Rose Sheet" Jan. 12, 2009, p. 6)