Discover how the cochineal insect's red dye influenced civilizations, from the Aztecs to the British redcoats.

a natural red dye made from the ground Cochineal bug, which primarily lives in South and Central America. Humans have used the insect to dye garments and blankets since the 15th century.

Centuries before the now-banned red dye No. 3 was synthesized in a lab, humans turned to insects to bring a little scarlet, vermillion or burgundy into their foods, fabrics and ...

The US Food and Drug Administration announced this month that it's effectively banning Red No. 3, the controversial artificial red dye found in food and drinks that's been linked to cancer. The ...

Brian Ronholm: Well, this is an issue that’s been percolating for quite a long time. Back in 1990, the FDA made the decision to ban Red 3 in cosmetics, and that was because it was linked to cancer in ...

Despite the recent ban, Red No. 3 has been on the chopping block for years. It was originally banned from cosmetics in 1990 due to similar health concerns, and other countries (like Australia) have ...

The U.S. Drug and Food Administration has banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods. The removal addresses a color additive petition submitted in 2022, which cited its connection to cancer and behavioral ...

The Food and Drug Administration’s ban on the use of red dye No. 3 in food is set to take place in mid-January 2027 and affects hundreds of products, including candies and drinks, snacks and ...

Soon enough, red dye No.3 will be gone from shelves—but when? On January 15, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a huge move when the agency announced it was revoking authorization for ...

Adult female and immature cochineal bugs are flightless ... Carmine, the primary ingredient in the red dye, is extracted by boiling the powder. The color could be altered by adding other chemicals.