Are the red on candy canes (red 40) REALY from beetle?!
Some say yes, some say no, some say if it contains beetle the ingredient must list cochineal or carmine?
Answers: Ive heard conflicting things.
Some say yes, some say no, some say if it contains beetle the ingredient must list cochineal or carmine?
No, it's derived from coal. My bad. It used to be derived from coal. :)
Are you sure it's red 40. If so then it is an FD&C dye and not the natural color cochineal. Contrary to the previous answer it is not derived from coal. Back in 1930 the colors were called coal tar dye because they were pruified from complex organic mixes. Nowadays the are sythesyzed in a laboratory and tested completely for heavy metals etc. Again FD&C Red 40 is not cochineal.
PhD Food Chemistry and Nutrition
I wouldn't be surprised if it was. There are plenty of animal ingredients used in candies, personal products, etc. I do know for a fact that carmine is an ingredient in some candies and makeup.
Nope, it's vegan. And thanks for the link, Meg.