I'm a student and I'm researching a food coloring called
carmine/cochineal. This red coloring is derived from crushed up
beetles. However, because it is considered a natural ingredient, theFDA
only requires it to be labeled as "natural coloring." I was
wondering what vegans think of this. Are most vegans aware of
this ingredient? Would you prefer carmine to be listed as "carmine
(insect derived)" so you could avoid it? Do you think the FDA's
current policy is adequate?
Thanks.