CARMINES
Prepared at the 55th JECFA (2000) and published in FNP 52 Add 8 (2000), superseding specifications prepared at the 44th JECFA (1995) and published in FNP 52 Add 3 (1995). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). A group ADI of 0-5 mg/kg bw for carmines, as ammonium carmine or the equivalent of Ca, K and Na salts was established at the 26th JECFA (1982) and maintained at the 55th JECFA (2000).
SYNONYMS Cochineal carmine, Carmine, CI Natural Red 4, CI (1975) No. 75470; INS No. 120
DEFINITION Obtained by aqueous extraction of cochineal, which consists of the dried bodies of the female insect Dactylopius coccus Costa; the colouring principle is a hydrated aluminium chelate of carminic acid in which aluminium and carminic acid are thought to be present in the molar ratio 1:2. In commercial products the colouring principle is present in association with ammonium, calcium, potassium or sodium cations, singly or in combination, and these cations may also be present in excess. Products may also contain proteinaceous material derived from the source insect, and may also contain free carminate or a small excess of aluminium cations.
Chemical names Hydrated aluminium chelate of carminic acid (7-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-anthracene-2-carboxylic acid)
C.A.S. number 1390-65-4 (carmine) 1260-17-9 (carminic acid)
Chemical formula Carminic acid: C22H20O13
Formula weight Carminic acid: 492.39
Assay Not less than 50% of C22H20O13 on the dry basis
DESCRIPTION Red to dark red, crumbly solid or powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour
