Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Caveat Emptor

Last night I read a disturbing fact. It said "some common red food coloring are made from dried insects called cochineal". So I decided to investigate this claim. Way to soon I found it to be true. The shell in red M&M’s, Strawberry Yogurt, fruit punch, pink frosting, most things that are red or pink are made from this female bug! You’ll also find it’s what gives makeup it’s nice red or pick shading. It is labeled under Carmine, or "artificial coloring" what’s artificial about smashed bugs?
But before you decide to vow off anything that is red, Cochineal does support subsistence farmers in poor parts of the world, and is remarkably non-toxic. But just know that next time you feel like putting on some blush, or go to eat that bag of M&M’s you might be using a few dead bugs.