This blog post examines the safety of natural colorants by exploring the nature of cochineal extract color—used in products like strawberry milk and ketchup—and its potential side effects.

Cochineal Extract Pigment: A Red Natural Colorant

Which would people prefer: pink strawberry milk in a transparent cup or white strawberry milk? Most would choose the pink-tinged cup. Visual effects like this stimulate appetite and play a significant role in how people choose foods. Ultimately, we unconsciously consume colorants alongside food in our daily lives.
Food colorings are broadly categorized into natural and synthetic dyes. Natural dyes are pigments produced by plants, animals, or microorganisms, while synthetic dyes are artificially created to produce specific colors. Synthetic dyes have been widely used due to their intense, stable colors and low cost. However, as their potential hazards have been revealed, their use is gradually being regulated. Simultaneously, as consumer interest in health and food safety grows, there is a clear trend toward preferring natural colorants extracted from natural sources over chemically manufactured synthetic colorants.
As in the initial example of pink strawberry milk, most strawberry milk products sold commercially use natural colorants instead of synthetic ones to achieve their red color. A representative red natural colorant is ‘cochineal extract color’. Cochineal extract is used in various foods such as strawberry milk, strawberry-flavored snacks and candies, tomato ketchup, crab sticks, and ham.

Cochineal extract derived from the cochineal insect

So where is cochineal extract obtained? It is derived from an insect called the cochineal. Cochineal insects are parasites found on various cacti, including the cochineal cactus in Mexico and Peru. The fat cells of the female cochineal insects are rich in red pigment. The cochineal extract colorant is a concentrated product made by collecting these female cochineal insects, drying them, and then extracting them using a water-alcohol solution. Dried cochineal insects are exported from Central America worldwide. They are relatively inexpensive because they are easy to collect. In Korea, they have been permitted for food use since 1993, and imported dried cochineal insects are processed to produce cochineal extract pigment.

Side Effects of Cochineal Extract Pigment

Is cochineal extract pigment safe for humans just because it’s a natural pigment? No. Cochineal extract pigment is known to cause allergic reactions, potentially leading to asthma, acute enteritis, rashes, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. Two causes for these side effects are suspected. First, specific protein components from female cochineal insects may be extracted during the cochineal extract pigment process, potentially triggering allergies in some individuals. Second, chemicals like emulsifiers, stabilizers, and diluents used for quality preservation could be problematic.
These side effects have been reported through multiple cases and studies. Notable examples include a mass outbreak of acute enteritis caused by cochineal extract pigment at Massachusetts General Hospital in the US; a case in Canada where a child developed a skin rash after consuming yogurt containing cochineal extract pigment; and a case in Japan where a woman experienced an allergic reaction and shock after drinking strawberry juice. Based on these cases and studies, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated cochineal extract as a ‘suspected allergenic substance’ in 2009.

Response Measures for Adverse Effects of Cochineal Extract Pigment

In South Korea, government-level awareness, regulation, and information provision regarding the adverse effects of cochineal extract pigment are inadequate. There are no labels on foods warning of its side effects, inspections and regulations are insufficient, and responsibility is unclear when adverse reactions occur.
In the United States, based on research findings regarding the harmful effects of cochineal extract color, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established legislation concerning its labeling. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is also taking measures such as collecting and analyzing cases of adverse effects from cochineal extract color to ensure consumer safety.
It is necessary to mandate labeling that explicitly states the risks of cochineal extract color on food labels and separately indicates precautions regarding allergic reactions or other side effects. Furthermore, a system must be established to enable swift reporting and response when abnormal symptoms occur.
Beyond government-level responses, consumers also need to be vigilant about the side effects of cochineal extract color and exercise restraint in its consumption. It is important to recognize that this pigment is present in most products requiring a red color, such as strawberry milk, strawberry-flavored snacks, candies, tomato ketchup, crab sticks, and ham. Choosing products using plant-based pigments like tomato or opting for uncolored foods is a good approach. Additionally, preparing meals at home using plant-based ingredients like strawberries or tomatoes can serve as a safe alternative.